Creamy Garlic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that brings tender, spiced chicken together with a creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or sharing with friends at a casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spices
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken with shawarma spices and half of the minced garlic. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing yogurt with the remaining minced garlic.
- Step 4: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it warm with a generous dollop of garlic sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Serve with warm pita bread and fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- Swap plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic sauce for a bright, tangy finish.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. The garlic sauce is best served cold and should not be heated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, though they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy.
What other spices are in shawarma seasoning?
Shawarma spices typically include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and sometimes cloves or cayenne pepper, providing a warm and aromatic flavor profile.
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken Shawarma Recipe
A flavorful and aromatic Chicken Shawarma recipe marinated with traditional spices, cooked until perfectly browned, and served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. This easy-to-make Middle Eastern classic is perfect for a satisfying meal any time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with shawarma spices, minced garlic, yogurt, olive oil, and salt. Mix well to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and serve warm, drizzled with garlic sauce. Optionally, accompany with pita bread, fresh veggies, or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs, but thighs will be juicier.
- Fresh garlic in the sauce provides a pungent kick; adjust quantity to your preference.
- Shawarma spice mix can be purchased pre-made or homemade with common spices listed.
- Serve with pita, pickles, and fresh vegetables for an authentic experience.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken, Garlic sauce, Shawarma spices, Yogurt marinated chicken
