This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is simple and full of flavor. The chicken is soft, spiced, and good in pita or a wrap. It cooks fast and you can make the garlic sauce at home. If you like warm garlic flavors, you might also enjoy the classic ginger garlic chicken noodle soup for another easy chicken idea.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, cheap, and tasty. The shawarma spice mix gives the chicken a warm, smoky taste. The garlic sauce adds cream and bright taste. You can make it at home faster than ordering out. Kids and adults both like it.
How to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Marinate the chicken with spices and yogurt. Let it sit so the flavors go in. Cook it on the grill or in the oven until it has small char marks or is cooked through. Let the chicken rest, then slice thin. For another garlic chicken idea, try the simple garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Ingredients :
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons shawarma spice mix
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or wraps
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Garlic sauce
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix together the shawarma spice mix, minced garlic, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill or oven.
- Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side on the grill, or 25-30 minutes in the oven at 425°F (220°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips.
- Serve the chicken in pita bread or wraps, topped with fresh vegetables and drizzled with garlic sauce.
How to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Serve the sliced chicken in warm pita or a soft wrap. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. Drizzle with garlic sauce. You can add pickles or a little hot sauce for heat. Serve with fries or a small salad on the side.
How to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Put leftover chicken in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic sauce in a separate container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven or microwave until hot. Do not leave cooked chicken out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Marinate longer (overnight) for a stronger flavor.
- Use thighs for more juiciness, breasts for lean meat.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a light char.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Taste the garlic sauce and add a little lemon if it needs brightness.
Variation
- Make a yogurt-tahini garlic sauce for a different texture.
- Add sliced onions to the grill for charred flavor.
- Use a store-bought shawarma spice mix or make your own with cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon.
- Serve with rice instead of pita for a plate meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Breasts work fine but watch cooking time to avoid drying.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 1 hour. For best taste, marinate overnight.
Q: Can I cook this in a pan instead of grill or oven?
A: Yes. Cook in a hot skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Q: How do I make quick garlic sauce?
A: Mix minced garlic, yogurt or mayo, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust to taste.
Q: Is shawarma spice spicy?
A: Not usually. It is warm and aromatic, not very hot. Add chili if you want heat.
Conclusion
This recipe makes a simple, tasty meal you can cook at home. For another take and more tips, see this full recipe from Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce on Lite Cravings. For a grilled version with sides and extra photos, check Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner.
- 3 tablespoons shawarma spice mix Store-bought or homemade.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced For a strong garlic flavor.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Adds richness.
- 1/4 cup yogurt Help tenderize the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice For brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to your preference.
For Serving
- Pita bread or wraps For serving the shawarma.
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers) For crunch and freshness.
- Garlic sauce To drizzle on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the shawarma spice mix, minced garlic, olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or oven.
- Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side on the grill, or 25-30 minutes in the oven at 425°F (220°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips.
Serving
- Serve the sliced chicken in warm pita or a soft wrap, topped with fresh vegetables and drizzled with garlic sauce.
- Optionally, add pickles or a little hot sauce for heat. Serve with fries or a small salad on the side.