This Easy Chicken Shawarma is bursting with flavor! Tender chicken marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, served with a creamy garlic sauce that makes every bite special.
Honestly, that garlic sauce is magical! I could slather it on anything. Plus, it’s so easy to make, I whip this up for a quick dinner or a fun weekend treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for moist and flavorful shawarma. If you prefer lighter meat, chicken breasts work too, but they can be drier.
Plain Yogurt: Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds tanginess. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates a strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh is always best! Use less if strong garlic isn’t your thing.
Spices: The spice mix gives shawarma its unique taste. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on what you like. For instance, if you enjoy more heat, add extra cayenne.
Tahini: This ingredient adds creaminess to the garlic sauce. If you don’t have tahini, you can skip it or use a little peanut butter for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Packed with Flavor?
The key to flavorful chicken shawarma is in the marinade. Marinating the chicken for several hours (or overnight if you can) lets the flavors penetrate deeply. Here’s how you can make it really effective:
- Mix all your marinade ingredients in a bowl before adding chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into thin slices for better absorption of flavors.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. If time allows, marinate overnight!
This will guarantee a juicy chicken packed with all the delicious spices when cooked!
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce?
The garlic sauce is super easy to whip up! Here’s a simple method to get it just right:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust flavor. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice!
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend.
This sauce can be used on other dishes too; it’s a real keeper!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Pita bread, flatbreads, or warm wraps
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Pickles (optional)
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (longer for better flavor!). Cooking the chicken will take an additional 15-20 minutes. So, overall, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours if you include marination time. Totally worth it for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and toss it well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, go for 3-4 hours or even overnight!
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, you can whip up the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), minced garlic, tahini (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it!
4. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to eat, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If needed, add a little oil to the pan. Cook the marinated chicken slices in batches, about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.
5. Warm the Bread:
While the chicken is cooking, you can warm up your pita or flatbreads. Just place them in a dry pan or in the oven for a few moments until they’re warm and pliable.
6. Assemble:
Once everything is ready, lay the cooked chicken on the warmed bread. Drizzle generously with your creamy garlic sauce, and top it with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, pickles, and greens as you like.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma by rolling up the bread with all the delicious fillings or serve it open-faced. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
This recipe beautifully combines authentic shawarma flavors with a simple, home-cooked approach. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While thighs are preferred for their juiciness, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you like. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them tender!
What Can I Use Instead of Yogurt in the Marinade?
If you’re looking for a substitute, sour cream or even buttermilk can work well in place of yogurt. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based yogurt to achieve a similar creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shawarma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it briefly, but be careful not to dry it out!
Can I Make the Garlic Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a stir before serving!