Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for marinade, optional); 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for garlic sauce); 4 garlic cloves, smashed (for garlic sauce); 1 tbsp lemon juice (for garlic sauce); Salt to taste (for garlic sauce); To serve: pita bread or rice, sliced cucumber, tomato, chopped parsley

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introduction

This recipe makes tasty chicken shawarma with a creamy garlic sauce. It is easy and works for a weeknight meal or a simple party dish. The flavors are warm and bright. If you want other easy chicken ideas, try an artisan hot honey feta chicken recipe for a sweet and savory change.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe because it is quick, full of flavor, and uses simple ingredients. The garlic sauce is creamy and fresh. You can cook the chicken in a pan, on a grill, or in the oven. It feeds a family and makes great leftovers.

how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) – k-popkitchen

This is the simple plan to make the dish. Marinate, cook, and make the garlic sauce. For a different flavor idea, you can compare it with a caramelised soy chicken with garlic ginger broth and rice recipe.

Ingredients :

1.5 lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup plain yogurt (for marinade, optional)
For garlic sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
To serve: pita bread or rice, sliced cucumber, tomato, chopped parsley

Directions :

Mix olive oil, minced garlic, spices, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt if using. This is the marinade.
Cut chicken into thin strips. Put chicken in the marinade. Coat well. Let sit 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
Make the garlic sauce. Put mayonnaise or yogurt, smashed garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Taste and add salt if needed. Chill.
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil. Add chicken strips in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Do in batches if needed.
Rest the chicken 5 minutes, then slice thin if not already.
Warm pita or rice. Assemble: place chicken, drizzle garlic sauce, add cucumber, tomato, and parsley.

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) – k-popkitchen

Serve warm in pita wraps or over rice. Add pickles, lettuce, and extra sauce on the side. You can also serve with fries for a casual meal.

how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) – k-popkitchen

Cool the chicken and sauce before storing. Keep chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately for 4–5 days. Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.

tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) – k-popkitchen

Use thighs for juicier results and breasts if you prefer lean meat.
Marinate longer for more flavor.
Smash garlic well for a smoother sauce. For a milder sauce, reduce garlic by one clove.
For a fast meal, cook chicken under a broiler or on a hot grill. For more garlic chicken ideas, see cheesy garlic butter chicken bowties.

variation (if any)

Make it spicy: add 1/2 tsp cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.
Make it smoky: add more smoked paprika or grill the chicken.
Make it lighter: use Greek yogurt for the sauce instead of mayonnaise.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works fine. Watch cooking time to avoid dryness.

Q: Can I make the garlic sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce a day ahead and store in the fridge. Stir before serving.

Q: How do I reheat leftover shawarma chicken?
A: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Yes. Use grilled eggplant, mushrooms, or tofu with the same spices and sauce.

Conclusion

For the original step-by-step recipe and photos, see the Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious) post. If you want a simple oven method for juicy chicken thighs, check this Baked Chicken Thighs (Crispy, Juicy, and Easy!) – The Kitchen Girl.