Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Why make this recipe
Chicken Shawarma is a beloved dish that brings together tender, marinated chicken and bold spices. This recipe is not only easy to make but also gives you the chance to create a feast right in your own kitchen. When paired with the creamy garlic sauce, the flavors come alive, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a great meal for gatherings or a weeknight dinner, full of flavor and warmth.
How to make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs (Juicy and tender, perfect cut for shawarma.)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (Adds a robust depth to the marinated chicken.)
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin (Forms the spice base.)
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander (Adds vibrancy.)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (For a mild sweetness and vibrant color.)
- 1 tablespoon turmeric (Rich in color and flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Warm notes that elevate the dish.)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional, for those who like a bit of heat.)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (Rich and fruity, perfect for marinating.)
- To taste salt and pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (Forms the base of the sauce.)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (For an extra punch.)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Adds zing to the sauce.)
- 2 tablespoons tahini (Adds depth and a nutty flavor.)
- To taste salt (Essential for the creamy sauce.)
- To taste pita bread or flatbreads (Perfect for wrapping.)
- To taste fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce) (Adds crunch and freshness.)
- To taste pickles (A tangy contrast.)
Directions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in this marinade. Cover and let them sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
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Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
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Assemble and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Serve the chicken in warm pita bread or flatbreads. Top with creamy garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles.
How to serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
You can serve Chicken Shawarma in various ways. The most popular is to wrap the chicken in pita bread along with the creamy garlic sauce and fresh veggies. You can also serve it on a plate with sides like rice or salad for a heartier meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many forms.
How to store Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, while the creamy garlic sauce will last about a week. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving again.
Tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavor, so aim for at least a few hours if you can.
- For added crunch, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or radishes.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, try adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicy sauce on top.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe with different proteins like beef or lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the marination time and cooking methods according to the protein used.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful for shawarma. -
What if I don’t have tahini?
You can omit tahini or substitute it with a little bit of peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different but still tasty flavor. -
Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in this marinade. Cover and let them sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Serve the chicken in warm pita bread or flatbreads. Top with creamy garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles.
