Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp plain yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; 6 garlic cloves (for garlic sauce); 1/2 tsp salt (for garlic sauce); 3/4 cup neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower); 1 tbsp lemon juice (for garlic sauce); 2 tbsp plain yogurt or 1–2 tbsp water (optional, for garlic sauce)

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why make this recipe

Chicken shawarma with garlic sauce is warm, tasty, and quick to make. It gives you bright spices, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce. This dish works for a simple weeknight meal or a small party. It is easy for cooks of all levels.

introduction

This recipe teaches you to make chicken shawarma with garlic sauce at home. You will marinate the chicken, cook it until it is browned, and make a smooth garlic sauce. If you like a sweet and spicy side idea, try a different chicken idea like this hot honey feta chicken recipe for another quick meal option.

how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Make the marinade, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, cook the chicken well, and mix the garlic sauce. Use a pan, grill, or oven to cook. For a different flavor step, you can use fast soy and ginger cooking tips from a similar chicken recipe caramelised soy chicken method to learn quick sear ideas.

Ingredients :

1.5 lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
3 tbsp plain yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
For garlic sauce:
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt or 1–2 tbsp water to loosen (optional)
Optional: pita bread, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, fresh parsley

Directions :

Mix yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Add sliced chicken to the bowl. Stir well so the chicken is coated. Cover and chill 1 hour or overnight.
To make garlic sauce: crush garlic and salt into a smooth paste. Slowly add oil drop by drop while mixing until it forms a thick emulsion. Stir in lemon juice. If too thick, add a little yogurt or water to thin.
Heat a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Add a little oil. Cook chicken in batches so pieces do not crowd. Cook 4–6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
Let chicken rest 3 minutes. Slice thin if needed.
Warm pita bread if using. Layer chicken, vegetables, and garlic sauce in pita or on a plate.

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Serve on warm pita or flatbread. Add sliced tomato, cucumber, pickles, and parsley. Drizzle the garlic sauce over the top. You can also serve with rice and a side salad. Offer extra sauce on the side.

how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a pan or oven until hot. Do not store garlic sauce at room temperature; keep it refrigerated and use within 3 days. For longer storage, freeze only the chicken for up to 2 months (best quality), then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Slice chicken thin for fast, even cooking.
Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
Cook in a hot pan for a nice brown crust.
Make garlic sauce slowly to form a smooth emulsion.
Keep sauce and chicken separate in the fridge to keep textures right.

variation (if any)

Use beef or lamb instead of chicken.
Add a little smoked paprika or chili for heat.
Swap yogurt for coconut yogurt for a dairy-free marinade (use dairy-free mayonnaise for sauce).
Grill on skewers for a kebab style.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works fine. Slice thin and do not overcook to keep it juicy.

Q: How can I make the garlic sauce milder?
A: Reduce the garlic amount or add extra yogurt to soften the flavor.

Q: Is there a quick way to make the sauce?
A: You can use store-bought garlic sauce or mix mayonnaise with minced garlic and lemon if short on time.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Marinate chicken the day before. Make the sauce the same day and keep chilled until serving.

Q: What sides go well with shawarma?
A: Rice, salad, pickles, hummus, and fries go well.

Conclusion

For a clear step-by-step reference, you can view the original Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) for more tips and photos. If you want a simple baked chicken side to serve with this, check this Baked Chicken Thighs (Crispy, Juicy, and Easy!) guide for an easy pairing.