Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a beloved dish that captures the heart and taste of many. Originating from the Middle East, this flavorful chicken dish is marinated with a delightful blend of spices and paired with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for gatherings, this recipe demonstrates how easy it is to whip up this irresistible treat in your own kitchen.
Why We Love This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma recipe is not just about pushing your culinary boundaries; it’s about flavor, texture, and the joyful fusion of ingredients. Each bite is packed with a symphony of spices that clings to tender chicken, providing an explosion of taste. The creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious touch, balancing the savory notes from the shawarma perfectly. Additionally, making this dish at home means you can customize the flavors to suit your preferences, turning it into a dish everyone can enjoy. It is also a flexible recipe that accommodates various dietary preferences, making it suitable for family gatherings or a cozy dinner with friends.
Ingredients about Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
To create this delicious Chicken Shawarma alongside a creamy garlic sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Directions
To create the tastiest Chicken Shawarma, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir these spices together until they are well blended. Next, add in the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and yogurt. Mix well to create a thick marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and add them to the mixing bowl. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, but ideally, you would like to leave it overnight. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While your chicken is marinating, you can quickly whip up the creamy garlic sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if you are using it), salt, and ground black pepper until you have a velvety-smooth mixture. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Once the chicken has had time to marinate, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is beautifully browned.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Warm the Bread: If you’re using pita bread or flatbread, you can lightly warm it in the same pan for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble Your Shawarma: On a warmed pita or flatbread, layer your slices of chicken. Top it with freshly sliced tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Finally, drizzle your creamy garlic sauce over the top.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serving Chicken Shawarma is all about personalization. You have the base with pita or flatbread, making it a fantastic option for hand-held meals. Consider setting up a shawarma buffet where everyone can create their own wraps. You can place the roasted chicken strips in the center and surround them with bowls of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like parsley. The creamy garlic sauce can be drizzled on top or served on the side for those who prefer to control the amount. You can also include sides like a light salad or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete meal experience. This dish is perfect for casual meals, gatherings, or even entertaining guests who will appreciate its deliciousness and unique flavor.
Expert Tips: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: While an hour of marinating is ideal, try to marinate the chicken overnight. This makes a significant difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t Skip the Tahini: If you can, include tahini in the creamy garlic sauce. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the garlic and yogurt beautifully.
- Grilling Options: If you have access to an outdoor grill, consider grilling the chicken instead of using a skillet. This adds a lovely smoky flavor that is characteristic of traditional shawarma.
- Cook Evenly: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, try to use thighs of similar thickness. If some pieces are thinner, they may cook faster, so adjusting cooking time accordingly may be necessary.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishing your shawarma wraps with extra toppings, such as pickles, olives, or even shredded cabbage, to add texture and additional flavors.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your Chicken Shawarma while it’s warm. The freshness of the ingredients and the warmth of the bread enhance the overall experience.
How to Store Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store your Chicken Shawarma effectively. Place any leftover sliced chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For the creamy garlic sauce, it too can be kept in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you have any remaining pita or flatbread, store it in a separate bag to avoid any sogginess. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until it’s warmed through, and assemble as you like.
Variation of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Exploring variations of Chicken Shawarma can be a delightful culinary adventure! For a twist, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a lighter option. Additionally, for those who love different proteins, lamb and beef can also be used to create flavorful shawarma. If you want to make it vegetarian, consider using grilled vegetables or marinated tofu as an alternative filling. There are also variations with spices – try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick or using smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. You may also want to experiment with different types of bread, such as lavash or naan, to bring a unique touch to your meal.
FAQ
What is Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a popular Middle Eastern dish made of marinated grilled chicken served with a rich sauce that combines yogurt and garlic.
How can I make Chicken Shawarma crispy?
To make Chicken Shawarma crispy, use high heat for searing and ensure the chicken is well-marinated. You can also finish it off under a broiler for a minute to create a crispy exterior.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time carefully.
Is the creamy garlic sauce spicy?
No, the creamy garlic sauce is not spicy but has a rich garlic flavor. If you prefer a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
How do I serve Chicken Shawarma?
You can serve Chicken Shawarma with warm pita or flatbread, topped with fresh vegetables, herbs, and the creamy garlic sauce for a delicious wrap or bowl meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will be good for 3 to 4 days, and the creamy garlic sauce can be stored for up to a week.
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional) adds depth of flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving
- 1 Pita bread or flatbread
- 1 Sliced tomatoes
- 1 Sliced cucumber
- optional Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Add the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and yogurt to the mixture and mix well to create a thick marinade.
Marination
- Add the chicken thighs to the mixing bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Creamy Garlic Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if using), salt, and ground black pepper until smooth.
- Set aside to let flavors meld.
Cooking the Chicken
- Once marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken thighs.
- Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Final Steps
- Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm the pita or flatbread in the same pan.
- Assemble the shawarma by laying chicken slices on the warmed bread and topping with tomatoes, cucumbers, and creamy garlic sauce.
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