Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and moisture. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work too! For a lighter option, you could even use turkey breast.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used. Just remember that it’s not as strong, so you might want to increase the amount.

Yogurt: Plain yogurt adds creaminess to the marinade. Greek yogurt makes it thick and rich, but if dairy isn’t your thing, try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version!

Spices: Cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon create the classic shawarma flavor. Feel free to swap in any spices you have on hand, like smoked paprika or even a dash of cayenne for some heat.

How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken Shawarma?

The key to succulent chicken is making sure it’s marinated well. Letting the chicken soak in the marinade for 1-2 hours not only enhances flavor but keeps it juicy when cooking. Here’s how to cook it just right:

• Use medium-high heat on your skillet or grill pan to get a nice sear.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for the edges to be a bit charred, which adds flavor.
• Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it’s no longer pink in the center.

Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy, making your shawarma even better!

Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or mint for garnish

To Serve:

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion
• Pickles (optional)
• Fresh greens or lettuce

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep if you’re in a rush, but I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 1-2 hours (or even overnight) for the best flavor. The actual cooking time is around 15 minutes. So, you’ll be enjoying your tasty chicken shawarma in about 45 minutes total—how great is that?

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl, mix together minced garlic, yogurt, olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. This flavorful mixture is what will make the chicken so delicious!

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the sliced chicken pieces to the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, let it sit for 1-2 hours—trust me, it’s worth it!

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

While the chicken is marinating, whip up the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then set aside to let the flavors meld.

4. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely char at the edges. Make sure it’s no longer pink in the center!

5. Warm the Flatbreads:

While the chicken is cooking, warm your pita or flatbreads in another pan or the oven until they’re soft and ready to hold all the delicious fillings.

6. Assemble Your Shawarma:

Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous amount of creamy garlic sauce on each piece of bread. Layer the cooked chicken on top, followed by fresh cucumber, tomato, red onion, pickles, and greens. You can drizzle a bit more garlic sauce on top if you love that flavor!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Roll up or fold your shawarma and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce—it’s sure to be a hit!

Bon appétit and happy cooking!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are great for their juiciness, chicken breasts can be used as well. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep them tender. You could also try using boneless chicken legs for a slightly different flavor.

Can I Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the creamy garlic sauce in advance! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using to refresh the flavors.

What Can I Serve with Shawarma Besides Pita Bread?

If you’re looking for alternatives to pita, you can serve shawarma over rice, in a salad bowl, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover cooked chicken shawarma and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will last up to 3 days, while the sauce can typically last for about the same time. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to retain moisture.