Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a flavorful and easy-to-make Middle Eastern dish, this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a must-try. The combination of aromatic spices and the tangy, creamy garlic sauce will transport your taste buds to a vibrant street market in Beirut. Whether served in warm pita bread, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. In just a couple of hours, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marination Time: 1 hour (minimum, optional overnight)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add lemon juice and olive oil to create a paste-like marinade.
3. Coat the chicken thighs or breasts thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-seasoned.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, let it marinate overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-blended.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat your grill.
2. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet if cooking on the stovetop.
3. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden and slightly charred.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Serve the sliced chicken shawarma in pita bread, over a bed of rice, or with a fresh salad.
2. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Add extra toppings like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled onions, or shredded lettuce for an authentic experience.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Shawarma pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve it with:

• Warm Pita Bread for wrapping
• Golden Fries or sweet potato wedges
• Tabbouleh Salad or Fattoush for a fresh contrast
• Hummus or Baba Ghanoush for dipping

Homemade Chicken Shawarma is a versatile and mouthwatering dish that can quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. With its rich blend of spices and a creamy garlic sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. Simple to make yet deeply flavorful, it’s an excellent way to bring the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine into your home. Try it today and savor the satisfaction of making a restaurant-quality dish from scratch!