The aroma of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce fills the air, wrapping you in a warm, spice-infused embrace that’s both exotic and comforting. Imagine juicy chicken marinated in a blend of fragrant spices, grilled to perfection, then drizzled with a velvety garlic sauce that makes every bite a delightful experience. zesty chicken recipe.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an adventure! I remember the first time I made Chicken Shawarma for my friends during a casual get-together. Their eyes lit up with excitement as soon as they took their first bite, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
- The combination of spices creates an unforgettable flavor profile that everyone will love
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress on any dinner table
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough for wraps or salads too!
I still chuckle when I think about my friend’s attempt to wrap the shawarma in pita—he ended up wearing more than he ate!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal flavor and tenderness.
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Yogurt: A tangy base for marinating the chicken; Greek yogurt works best for its thickness.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are crucial; they add a robust flavor to both the marinade and sauce.
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Cumin: This earthy spice brings warmth and depth to your shawarma seasoning.
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Smoked Paprika: For that slightly sweet and smoky note that elevates your dish.
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Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist while grilling; choose high-quality extra virgin if possible.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish with acidity; fresh-squeezed makes all the difference.
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Pita Bread: Soft and fluffy pitas are perfect for wrapping your delicious chicken. perfect side salad.
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Fresh Vegetables (Tomatoes, Lettuce): For crunch and freshness; customize based on your preferences.
For the Sauce:
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Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy garlic sauce; use full-fat for richness.
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Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
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Dill or Parsley (optional): Fresh herbs can bring additional brightness to your sauce. hearty casserole option.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Chicken: Begin by mixing yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. cilantro lime chicken bowl Add chicken breasts and coat well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While waiting, visualize how luscious those grill marks will look on your chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Place your marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have lovely char marks.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth. Feel free to taste-test this heavenly concoction—it’s hard not to!
Assemble Your Shawarma: Slice grilled chicken thinly and layer it onto warm pita bread. Top with fresh veggies and drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.
Enjoy each bite as flavors meld together in a symphony of deliciousness—trust me; you’ll want seconds!
Now you have everything you need to whip up Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce at home! Enjoy this culinary journey filled with vibrant flavors and comforting aromas—it’s bound to become a favorite around your dinner table! For more inspiration, check out this garlic parmesan bombs recipe.
You Must Know
- The secret to a juicy Chicken Shawarma lies in marinating overnight; it enhances flavors and tenderness
- The aroma while cooking is irresistible, making your kitchen smell like a Middle Eastern bazaar
- Serve with warm pita for an authentic experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least two hours, then grill or bake it until perfectly charred. While the chicken cooks, whip up your creamy garlic sauce for a seamless meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for lamb or tofu for a vegetarian option. Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to create your unique flavor profile that suits your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this slow cooker chicken tacos recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Shawarma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking; it helps achieve even cooking
- Allow the garlic sauce to sit for an hour after mixing; this enhances the flavors beautifully
- Don’t skip on the marinade time; patience pays off in flavor!
A friend once told me that my Chicken Shawarma was so good, they’d consider moving in just for dinner! Moments like these make cooking worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs add more flavor and tenderness to your Chicken Shawarma.
What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?
Serve it with tabbouleh, hummus, or fresh veggies wrapped in pita for a complete meal.
How do I make my garlic sauce thicker?
To thicken your creamy garlic sauce, simply add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as needed.
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful dish that brings Middle Eastern cuisine to your home. Juicy marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, is topped with a rich garlic sauce, creating a delightful blend of spices and textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy it in warm pita wraps or salads for a versatile meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce) for topping
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill marinated chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble Your Shawarma: Slice grilled chicken thinly and layer onto warm pita bread with fresh veggies and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
