Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East right to your kitchen. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With juicy, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita and topped with garlicky sauce, it’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables!
How to Make Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or wraps
- Fresh vegetables (optional, for serving)
- Garlic sauce (for serving)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, covering well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Serve in pita bread or wraps with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma is best served warm. You can place the sliced chicken in pita bread or wraps. Fill it with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with garlic sauce for extra flavor. It makes a tasty meal for any occasion!
How to Store Chicken Shawarma
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot. You can assemble the wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat, so they stay crisp.
Tips to Make Chicken Shawarma
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
- If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken outside.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by using grilled veggies or chickpeas as the filling. Tofu marinated and grilled can also be a great substitute for chicken.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a grill or skillet?
You can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Can I freeze Chicken Shawarma?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is Garlic Sauce necessary?
While it adds great flavor, you can skip the garlic sauce if you prefer or substitute it with hummus or tzatziki sauce.
Enjoy making Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce and relish the wonderful flavors at home!
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful Middle Eastern chicken dish wrapped in pita, topped with garlicky sauce, and customizable with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or wraps
- Fresh vegetables (optional, for serving)
- Garlic sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, covering well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Serve in pita bread or wraps with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken outside.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg