Here is a simple, easy-to-follow recipe for homemade shawarma with garlic sauce.
Introduction
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a tasty, quick meal. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and warm spices. It cooks fast and stays juicy. If you want another simple chicken dish with strong garlic flavor, try a warm bowl like ginger garlic chicken noodle soup for a different but easy dinner.
Why make this recipe
- It is fast and simple to prepare.
- The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken moist.
- The garlic sauce adds bright, creamy flavor.
- You can serve it as a wrap or a plate meal.
How to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Follow the steps below. Marinate the chicken well for best flavor.
Ingredients :
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread, for serving
- Sliced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions), for garnish
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Serve in warm pita bread, topped with sliced vegetables and drizzled with extra garlic sauce if desired.
How to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Warm the pita bread before serving.
- Add sliced chicken and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Drizzle extra garlic sauce or yogurt sauce on top.
- Serve with a side salad, rice, or fries.
How to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Refrigerate leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Store the garlic sauce separately in a sealed jar for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or oven until hot, then slice and serve.
Tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Marinate longer (overnight) for deeper flavor.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs for moist and tender meat.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling to get a nice sear.
- Slice the chicken thin against the grain.
- For a different dish with garlic and chicken, see this simple garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe.
Variation
- Use chicken breast if you prefer lean meat; reduce cooking time slightly.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the marinade for a more classic shawarma aroma.
- Serve with hummus, pickles, or hot sauce for more flavor options.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw fully before marinating and cooking.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through, then slice thin.
Q: How do I make the garlic sauce?
A: Mix yogurt or mayo with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and a dash of olive oil. Adjust to taste.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Use firm tofu or seitan, and swap yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt in the marinade.
Q: Is it safe to marinate overnight?
A: Yes. Marinating overnight in the fridge improves flavor and is safe.
Conclusion
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a simple, flavorful meal you can make at home with easy ingredients. For another home-friendly shawarma version with creamy garlic, check the detailed recipe for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce – Lite Cravings. If you want a version focused on a white garlic sauce, see the guide at Chicken Shawarma with Garlic White Sauce – Craving California.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs Use boneless, skinless thighs for moist and tender meat.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt Can substitute with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving
- Pita bread for serving Warm the pita bread before serving.
- Sliced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions) For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Cooking
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Serving
- Serve in warm pita bread, topped with sliced vegetables and drizzled with extra garlic sauce if desired.