This Easy Chicken Shawarma is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any day of the week! It features marinated chicken grilled to golden perfection, topped with a creamy garlic sauce.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this tasty dish at home. Pair it with pita bread or fresh veggies, and just like that, you have a delicious meal that’ll impress everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: For juiciness and flavor, I recommend using thighs. They are less likely to dry out. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken breasts work too, just be careful not to overcook them!
Spices: The blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper gives shawarma its unique flavor. If you don’t have all of them on hand, try using a pre-made shawarma spice mix or add some chili powder for heat!
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based yogurt made from almond or coconut. It works well, though the flavor might be slightly different.
Pita Bread: While I love serving this with warm pita, other options are flatbreads or even lettuce wraps if you’re keeping it low-carb. This is a fun way to change things up!
How Do I Make the Chicken Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing flavor and keeping it tender. Follow these steps:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 3-4 hours or overnight gives the best results.
- Use lemon juice in the marinade – its acidity helps tenderize the chicken while adding a zesty flavor.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat. This allows it to get a nice golden crust while remaining juicy inside.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll have delicious Chicken Shawarma that rivals your favorite restaurant! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 1 hour for marinating the chicken and about 15 minutes for cooking, bringing your total to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you can, let the chicken marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight to enhance the flavor even more!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. This mixture will infuse your chicken with lots of delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the bowl, and toss it well to make sure each piece is covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it marinate for 3-4 hours or even overnight will give you the best flavor.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While your chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the creamy garlic sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until it’s nice and smooth, and then pop it in the fridge to chill.
4. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, cooking it until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Warm the Pita or Flatbreads:
If you’re using pita or flatbreads, you can warm them in a separate pan or briefly in the oven while the chicken is cooking.
6. Serve it Up:
Once the chicken is ready, serve it on warm pita bread or a plate topped with the creamy garlic sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions for an extra crunch!
Enjoy your delicious, easy homemade Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used for a lighter option. Just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
How Do I Store Leftover Shawarma?
Store any leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain its moisture.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to add the chicken. It’s a great time-saver!
What Can I Serve With Chicken Shawarma?
This dish is delicious on its own or served with pita bread, flatbreads, or a side of salad. You can also add roasted vegetables or rice for a heartier meal.
