This easy chicken shawarma is packed with flavor! Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, served with a delicious creamy garlic sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer. Thighs tend to stay more tender when cooked, making them my favorite!
Spices: The blend of spices gives this dish its unique flavor. If you’re out of something like coriander or turmeric, feel free to substitute with allspice or curry powder. A little creativity can still lead to a delicious dish!
Creamy Garlic Sauce: I use Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, you could try coconut yogurt or a vegan mayo. Both can add a nice texture while keeping the flavor profile intact.
Pitas: Traditional pita is great, but you can use any flatbread or even lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a low-carb option. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the fillings!
How Do I Get Perfectly Juicy Chicken?
Marinating the chicken is key for flavor and tenderness. For best results, let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least an hour, but overnight is best.
- Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced so it absorbs the marinade well and cooks quickly.
- When cooking, do not overcrowd the pan; this allows better browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside, making every bite juicy!
These steps are simple but make a huge difference in the final dish. Enjoy cooking your shawarma! It’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
For The Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings and Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Pickles
- Sliced red onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time. The cooking time is about 10 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish—a perfect time investment for a flavorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne (if you’re using it), salt, black pepper, olive oil, and the lemon juice. This savory blend will be the marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight if you can!
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is soaking up those dreamy flavors, whip up your creamy garlic sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Place it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. If your pan isn’t big enough, cook the chicken in batches. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
5. Rest and Slice the Chicken:
Once cooked, take the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! If needed, slice the chicken into strips.
6. Assemble Your Shawarma:
Warm your pita bread or flatbreads slightly. Fill each with a generous serving of the cooked chicken, drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, pickles, and onions as desired. Explore different combos to find your favorite!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your easy chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce right away! This dish is perfect for gatherings, weekday dinners, or simply satisfying your cravings!
This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a tangy, garlicky sauce that complements it perfectly. It’s a comforting meal the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be cautious not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly. Keep an eye on the cooking time!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the marinade. You can also reduce the amount of paprika for less smokiness. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even some chili powder!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the creamy garlic sauce a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can last up to 3 days, while the sauce should be consumed within 5 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and enjoy again!
