Picture this: tender, spiced chicken marinated to perfection, wrapped in warm pita with a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds. The crispy veggies and savory flavors create an explosion of joy in every bite. It’s a party for your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
Now, let me take you back to that one time I tried making shawarma at home. I ended up with chicken everywhere—on the floor, on the ceiling, and even in my hair! I still remember my cat, Sir Clucks-a-lot, eyeing me like I was the biggest cooking disaster since that one time I mistook salt for sugar. But fear not! After some trial and error (and sweeping up quite a bit of chicken), I have perfected this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe for you!
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is not only easy to prepare but also brings a unique flavor profile that will impress your dinner guests. Its stunning appearance makes it perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite toppings or serve it differently each time!
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:
Step-by-Step Preparation Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare this delicious recipe:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, juice from 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well until smooth. Add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs into the marinade. Coat each thigh thoroughly then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
While your chicken is soaking up all those delicious flavors in its cozy marinade bath, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Aim for around 400°F (205°C). If you’re using an oven instead, preheat it to about 425°F (220°C).
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Once your grill is hot enough to make you question if you’re standing too close, remove the chicken from its marinade. Shake off any excess marinade (we don’t want it dripping everywhere!). Place each thigh on the grill or in your oven-safe pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through—look for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). Don’t forget to let them rest afterward; this keeps them juicy!
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Sauce
While waiting on that glorious chicken goodness to finish cooking, it’s time to whip up our star player—the garlic sauce! In a bowl, mix together another cup of Greek yogurt with another minced garlic clove (yes, we love garlic), juice from half a lemon, salt to taste, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth. Adjust flavors as needed—you’re in charge here!
Step 5: Assemble Your Shawarma
Slice the grilled chicken into strips once rested. Take that warm pita bread straight outta’ wherever you keep your bread stash! Layer some fresh lettuce leaves first (to avoid sogginess!), followed by sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Next up? Add those glorious chicken strips! Finally, drizzle generously with garlic sauce before wrapping it all up like a present.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if you’re feeling fancy! Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting—trust me; nobody enjoys room temperature shawarma.
Congratulations—you’ve just mastered Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce! Now sit back while everyone marvels at your culinary prowess while you try not to think about how much cleaning up there is after such delicious chaos!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows those bold flavors to meld beautifully. Cook in a hot pan for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Add Your Personal Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey for a leaner option, or use beef if you’re craving something heartier. You can also switch up the spices to suit your taste!
Storage & Reheating
To maintain that delightful texture, store the chicken separately from any sauces. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep it juicy, and add fresh toppings just before serving.
Helpful Chef Tips
I once made Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce for a family gathering. Everyone devoured it so fast that I barely got a bite! Such sweet chaos!
Conclusion for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
In summary, this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe brings an irresistible fusion of flavors to your dinner table. The juicy chicken, paired with the creamy garlic sauce, creates a delightful meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy the vibrant spices and tender textures that make this dish a favorite among many. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and try making this delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce today! Your taste buds will thank you for it.
PrintChicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Delicious chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Grill
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for garlic sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for garlic sauce)
- juice from half a lemon (for garlic sauce)
- salt to taste (for garlic sauce)
- pinch of black pepper (for garlic sauce)
- pita bread, warm
- fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, juice from 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs into the marinade.
- Coat each thigh thoroughly then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if desired.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to around 400°F (205°C) or preheat your oven to about 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the chicken from its marinade and shake off any excess marinade.
- Place each thigh on the grill or in your oven-safe pan.
- Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- In a bowl, mix together another cup of Greek yogurt with another minced garlic clove, juice from half a lemon, salt to taste, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.
- Adjust flavors as needed for the garlic sauce.
- Slice the grilled chicken into strips once rested.
- Take warm pita bread and layer some fresh lettuce leaves first to avoid sogginess.
- Add sliced cucumbers and tomatoes on top of the lettuce.
- Add the grilled chicken strips on top of the vegetables.
- Drizzle generously with garlic sauce before wrapping it all up like a present.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately while everything is warm.
Notes
Store leftover shawarma in airtight containers.
Reheat gently in the oven, covered.
Serve with warm pita and pickles.
Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
FAQs
What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce?
You can serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce alongside warm pita bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Fresh vegetables, like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce, also complement the dish beautifully. For added flavor, consider including side dips such as hummus or tahini sauce. A light salad can round out the meal perfectly!
How do I store leftover Chicken Shawarma?
To store leftover Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. If you want to reheat the chicken, do so gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain its juiciness.
Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time! Simply mix all the ingredients as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best used within a week for maximum flavor. This allows you to have a quick and easy meal ready whenever you craving Chicken Shawarma.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a larger batch of chicken and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just make sure to keep the garlic sauce separate until you’re ready to serve for the best taste experience!