Savory Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe for Home Chefs

Spice up your dinner routine with this mouthwatering chicken shawarma that brings Middle Eastern street food magic right to your kitchen.

Bold flavors of marinated chicken shawarma dance on your taste buds, promising an explosion of aromatic herbs and zesty spices.

Tender strips of marinated chicken get perfectly charred and crispy, creating a delectable meal that transports you to bustling market streets.

The accompanying garlic sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that elevates every single bite.

Succulent meat and fragrant seasonings combine to create a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through rich, authentic flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and get ready to become the culinary hero of your household with this irresistible recipe.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce – Crowd Pleaser

• Dive into a mouthwatering chicken shawarma that packs an incredible punch of Middle Eastern spices and marinades.
• Flexibility reigns supreme with grilling, pan-cooking, and oven options that guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
• Marinate chicken ahead of time and enjoy a quick, delicious meal that saves precious cooking time without compromising on taste.
• A versatile dish that works beautifully for family dinners, game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends.

Everything You Need for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful cut that absorbs marinades beautifully and stays juicy during cooking.

• Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Turmeric, Black Pepper: A warm and aromatic spice blend that provides deep, complex flavor to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Garlic, Lemon Juice: Creates a creamy, tangy white sauce that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Provides a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.

Must-Have Tools for Homemade Chicken Shawarma

• Large Bowl or Zip Lock Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken with all those delicious shawarma spices.
• Grill, Cast Iron Pan, or Baking Sheet: Choose your favorite cooking method to create those mouthwatering caramelized chicken pieces.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking chicken reaches safe 160F internal temperature.
• Whisk: Needed to blend garlic sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For preparing and slicing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: To trim and cut chicken thighs if necessary.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken during grilling or pan-cooking.
• Small Bowl: For mixing garlic white sauce ingredients.

Stepwise Guide to Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Kickstart the Marinade

Combine chicken thighs with shawarma spices in a large container or Zip Lock bag.

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice

Seal tightly and let the flavors dance in the refrigerator for 3-24 hours.

Step 2: Warm Up the Chicken

Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking.

This helps the meat cook evenly and stay super juicy.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat.

Place chicken on the grates and cook for 6-8 minutes until beautiful caramelized marks appear.

Flip and continue cooking 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 4: Pan-Searing Alternative

If grilling isn’t an option, use a cast-iron skillet.

Heat to medium-high and cook chicken 8-10 minutes per side.

Ensure a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Oven-Roasting Method

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Bake chicken for 25 minutes, turning midway.

Finish under the broiler for 5 minutes to create a delightful char.

Step 6: Whip Up Garlic Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• White pepper

Whisk until smooth and luxurious.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange chicken on a beautiful platter.

Drizzle with garlic sauce or serve it on the side.

Pair with warm pita, fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal that’ll transport your taste buds to the Middle East.

Tips for Tender Shawarma with Flavorful Sauce

• Let chicken soak in spices for full 24 hours to develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate every bite.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough meat.
• Use high heat method like grilling or broiling to create crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Whisk garlic sauce thoroughly and adjust thickness by adding small amounts of water or yogurt for ideal drizzling texture.
• Switch between grilling, pan-frying, or oven-baking based on available kitchen equipment without compromising delicious results.

Ways to Change Up Your Chicken Shawarma

• Vegetarian Shawarma: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, using the same shawarma spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Lamb Shawarma Variation: Swap chicken thighs with lean lamb meat, maintaining the original marinade and cooking techniques for a rich, traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve shawarma over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of traditional pita bread, reducing overall carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add extra cayenne pepper or harissa paste to the marinade for those craving a more intense, fiery chicken shawarma experience.

Serving Chicken Shawarma with Style

• Flavor Fusion Platter: Create a vibrant Mediterranean-style spread with warm pita bread, fresh cucumber salad, and sliced tomatoes surrounding the juicy shawarma chicken.
• Wrap Adventure: Roll the tender chicken into soft tortillas or lavash bread, adding crisp lettuce, pickled onions, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce for a handheld delight.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the chicken on a large wooden board with mezze-style sides like hummus, tabbouleh, and olives, encouraging everyone to build their own perfect bite.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the sliced shawarma chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa, topped with roasted vegetables and a generous dollop of cooling garlic sauce for a nutritious meal.

Storage Solutions for Shawarma Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken from the sauce to maintain its crispy texture.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in chicken shawarma marinade?

The marinade typically includes cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, and cinnamon, which create the signature Middle Eastern flavor profile and help tenderize the chicken.

• Is chicken thighs the best cut for shawarma?

Yes, chicken thighs are ideal because they’re more flavorful, juicy, and tender compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out easily during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a cast iron pan or oven method as described in the recipe, which will still give you delicious caramelized and flavorful chicken shawarma.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible chicken shawarma combines Middle Eastern spices and tender meat for a delightful culinary experience. Garlic sauce and warm pita bread complete this flavorful dish that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Shawarma:

Proteins:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 6 large cloves garlic, grated

Garlic White Sauce:

Dairy Base:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon za’atar spice
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Combine the chicken thighs with shawarma marinade ingredients in a sealed container, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator approximately 20 minutes before cooking, permitting temperature equalization.
3. For grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Position chicken pieces, ensuring consistent placement. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden edges develop and meat releases naturally from grates.
4. Rotate chicken pieces, continuing cooking for additional 8-10 minutes. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F using meat thermometer for safe consumption.
5. Alternative cooking method involves using cast iron skillet. Heat pan over medium-high temperature. Place chicken, allowing caramelization for 8-10 minutes on initial side.
6. Flip chicken, cook additional 5-7 minutes until exterior turns crispy and internal temperature indicates doneness. Manage cooking in batches if pan space limits.
7. Oven technique requires preheating to 425°F. Arrange chicken on baking sheet, roast for 25 minutes, turning midway through cooking process.
8. Activate broiler, position chicken underneath for 5 minutes, creating charred exterior and enhanced flavor profile.
9. Prepare garlic white sauce by whisking ingredients in small mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
10. Transfer cooked chicken to serving platter, accompany with prepared garlic sauce for dipping and enhancing overall dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in spices for maximum flavor absorption, with longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) delivering deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Temperature Matters: Allowing marinated chicken to rest at room temperature before cooking ensures even heat distribution and prevents tough, unevenly cooked meat.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Grill, pan-sear, or bake depending on available equipment, each method producing deliciously caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken thighs for tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, use gluten-free spices for sensitive diets, and replace dairy in sauce with coconut yogurt for vegan alternative.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg