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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring tender spiced chicken thighs marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, cooked to juicy perfection, and served with a rich, silky garlic sauce. Perfect for wraps, plates, or salads, this easy-to-make recipe brings authentic street food vibes to your kitchen with bold flavors and a luscious creamy touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

To Serve

  • Pita bread or cooked rice, as preferred
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Optional accompaniments: cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, tabbouleh salad, roasted veggies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper until smooth and aromatic. This marinade will give the chicken its characteristic shawarma flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderizing.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with finely minced garlic, salt, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and silky, adjusting the garlic intensity to your taste for the perfect balance.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle a little olive oil. Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary to get a nice sear.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Warm pita bread or prepare your chosen base like rice. Layer in the cooked chicken and generously drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite herbs and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat that holds up well to high-heat cooking.
  • Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
  • Do not skip garlic in the sauce as it provides signature pungency and richness.
  • Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern, Spiced Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Shawarma Recipe, Easy Dinner

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/chicken-shawarma-with-creamy-garlic-sauce/