There’s a certain magic in the air when you bite into Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce. It’s like a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds, with tender, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita and slathered in creamy garlic goodness. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame, as they anticipate the deliciousness to come.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Chicken Shawarma has a way of making every occasion feel special. I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends—a culinary adventure that ended with everyone licking their fingers and begging for seconds. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor journey.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shawarma is not only easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors that will leave everyone craving more
- The visual appeal of this dish makes it a showstopper at any gathering
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides, it’s perfect for both casual meals and festive occasions
- Plus, who can resist that creamy garlic sauce?
I once made this dish for a potluck, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They even suggested I start a food blog.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key here; choose firm cloves for maximum flavor.
- Yogurt: Use plain yogurt as it adds creaminess while tenderizing the chicken.
- Ground Cumin: This spice brings warmth and depth; don’t skip it.
- Ground Coriander: Adds a citrusy note that beautifully complements the other spices.
- Paprika: I prefer smoked paprika here for its rich flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling before cooking.
For the Sauce:
- Mayo: A base for creaminess; choose full-fat mayo for richer sauce.
- Lemon Juice (for sauce): Adds tanginess to balance out the richness of the mayo.
- Minced Garlic (for sauce): More garlic means more flavor—go crazy if you love it.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well; marinate in the fridge for at least one hour or overnight if possible.
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If using an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). For grilling, get your grill hot and ready to go.
Cook the Chicken: Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet or grill pan. Bake or grill until cooked through—about 25-30 minutes—until juices run clear and chicken has nice char marks.
Prepare Garlic Sauce: While chicken cooks, mix mayo with minced garlic and lemon juice in a bowl until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slicing Time: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips against the grain. This keeps each piece juicy.
Assemble Your Shawarma: Grab warm pita bread or flatbreads; layer sliced chicken generously along with garlic sauce and your favorite toppings like tomatoes or cucumbers.
And there you have it. A beautiful plate of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to join you at dinner tonight. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful creation.
You Must Know
- Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a street-side café in the Middle East
- This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it for any palate or occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown, then simmer it to lock in moisture while preparing your garlic sauce. This sequence ensures that each bite bursts with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices. Swap out traditional seasonings for smoked paprika or add extra veggies for crunch. Personalize each serving to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Shawarma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its juiciness and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating your chicken overnight enhances flavor depth and tenderness
- Always slice against the grain for perfect texture
- Don’t skimp on the garlic sauce; it’s what makes this dish sing
Memories of hosting friends over for a shawarma night still warm my heart; they devoured everything and begged for seconds, proving this dish’s irresistible charm.
FAQ
What type of chicken works best for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their moisture and flavor.
Can I make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and marinate the chicken a day prior for better flavor development.
What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?
Pair it with pita bread, fresh veggies, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, a dish that transforms any meal into a celebration. This recipe features tender, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita, generously topped with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure that will leave your guests craving more!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayo
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for sauce)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate in the fridge for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If using an oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C). For grilling, prepare your grill.
- Cook the Chicken: Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet or grill pan. Bake or grill for about 25–30 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine mayo with minced garlic and lemon juice in a bowl until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice and Assemble: Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve on warm pita bread topped with garlic sauce and your choice of veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita wrap (210g)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances flavor. Feel free to customize by adding extra vegetables or experimenting with spices. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
