Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs infused with warm spices, paired with a smooth, tangy garlic sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it’s a versatile, aromatic meal that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft pita bread for a satisfying and delicious experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free (serve without pita bread or with gluten-free flatbread)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons shawarma spice blend (cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon)
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Pinch of salt to taste
To Serve
- Pita bread or flatbreads, warmed
- Fresh vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and the shawarma spice blend until fully combined to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked with a slight char around the edges, mimicking authentic shawarma texture.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and place it on warmed pita bread. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for crunch. Roll or fold the bread and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more tender meat compared to breasts.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best infusion of flavors.
- Cook chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
- Always use freshly minced garlic for the sauce to maximize flavor and aroma.
- Warm pita bread before serving to improve texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken shawarma, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern chicken, shawarma recipe, creamy garlic sauce, grilled chicken, quick dinner, meal prep