Description
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring juicy, spice-marinated chicken served with a creamy homemade garlic sauce. Perfect for wraps, pita sandwiches, rice bowls, or fresh salads, this easy recipe delivers bold restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken strips and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Meanwhile, prepare the garlic sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve the chicken in warm pita bread, wraps, or over rice with the garlic sauce and your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, or pickles.
Notes
- Chicken thighs produce the juiciest shawarma, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Marinating overnight creates even deeper flavor.
- Store cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern