Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Introduction

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a mouthwatering, flavorful dish inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. This popular street food has found its way into homes around the world, thanks to its deliciously spiced chicken and rich, creamy garlic sauce that adds the perfect touch to every bite. Tender, juicy marinated chicken is roasted or grilled, then served with a smooth garlic sauce that complements the savory flavors of the shawarma. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a weekend feast, or looking to try something new, Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a fantastic choice. It’s the kind of dish that is guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy your craving for something savory, spicy, and comforting.

Perfect for:

• Family gatherings
• Special occasions
• Casual dinners with friends
• Middle Eastern-inspired meals
• Anyone who loves flavorful chicken dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce will become your go-to dish:

• Rich, Flavorful Marinade: The chicken is marinated with a mix of warm spices, giving it an incredible depth of flavor that’s aromatic, savory, and just the right amount of spiced.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: The smooth and tangy garlic sauce brings the dish together, balancing the spices of the chicken with its creamy, rich flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Chicken Shawarma can be served in various ways – in a pita, over rice, or even on a salad – making it perfect for any occasion.
• Halal Recipe: This recipe adheres to halal guidelines, with no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, making it a perfect choice for halal eaters.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marination time)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-500 calories (depends on serving method)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a spicier kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)

Garnishes (optional but recommended):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced red onion
• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Hummus or tahini (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are perfect for shawarma as they remain tender and juicy even after cooking, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out.
• Warm Spices: Shawarma’s flavor comes from the combination of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom, creating a depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: The yogurt and mayonnaise base for the creamy garlic sauce provides a tangy, velvety texture that balances out the spices of the chicken beautifully.
• Fresh Vegetables: Topping the shawarma with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions adds a crisp contrast to the rich and flavorful chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Prepare the Shawarma Marinade and Chicken

1. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C). If you’re using the oven, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Cook the Chicken Shawarma

4. Grill or Bake the Chicken:
   • For Grill: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely charred on the outside.
   • For Oven: Lay the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

6. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the garlic sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, garlic, or lemon juice if necessary.

Assemble the Shawarma

8. Assemble: To serve, warm some pita bread or flatbreads. Place the sliced chicken on the bread, drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, and top with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for added freshness.
9. Serve: You can serve the Chicken Shawarma with a side of hummus, tahini, or even a light salad.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce can be served in a variety of delicious ways:

• In Pita or Flatbread: Stuff the juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce into warm pita bread or flatbread for a classic shawarma sandwich.
• On a Plate with Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of seasoned rice for a more substantial meal. Add a side of vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for balance.
• As a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens or arugula, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of garlic sauce.
• For Meal Prep: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is perfect for meal prepping. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for an easy-to-grab lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Additional Tips for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Here are some tips to make your Chicken Shawarma even better:

• Marinate for Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but ideally 4-6 hours or overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you want to add even more depth of flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Grilling Tips: If grilling, make sure your grill is preheated and clean to prevent the chicken from sticking. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
• Make the Garlic Sauce Ahead: You can make the creamy garlic sauce in advance. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving. This allows the garlic flavors to meld even further.
• Add Extra Spice: If you like extra heat, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even some diced fresh chilies to the marinade.

Recipe Variations of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Here are 10 variations of Chicken Shawarma that you can try:

• Chicken Shawarma Wrap: For a quick on-the-go meal, wrap the chicken in a tortilla instead of pita for a more modern take on shawarma.
• Spicy Shawarma: Add extra chili powder or a spoonful of harissa to the marinade for an extra spicy kick.
• Lemon Herb Shawarma: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the marinade for a fresh, herbal flavor.
• Grilled Chicken Shawarma: Grill the chicken over open flame for a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the spices.
• Shawarma with Tahini Sauce: Swap the garlic sauce with a rich and creamy tahini sauce for a nutty variation.
• Chicken Shawarma on the Stove: Cook the chicken in a skillet if you don’t have access to a grill or oven for an easy stovetop option.
• Low-Carb Shawarma: Serve the chicken without bread, over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a salad for a low-carb version.
• Veggie Shawarma: Try this recipe with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers for a vegetarian version.
• Shawarma with Pickles: Add tangy pickled vegetables, such as pickled turnips, to balance the flavors of the chicken and garlic sauce.
• Shawarma Bowls: Serve the chicken in a bowl with rice, vegetables, and sauce, creating a deconstructed shawarma dish.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken shawarma for up to 3 months. Simply place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. To serve, defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently to maintain its tenderness.

Special Equipment for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Here are some special equipment items you might need:

• Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan helps achieve the smoky flavor and charred exterior that makes shawarma so delicious.
• Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken and ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Blender or Food Processor: If you want to make a smooth and creamy garlic sauce, a blender or food processor can help achieve the perfect texture.
• Marinating Containers: Use a large resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating the chicken.

FAQ Section about Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are recommended for juicier, more tender results.
2. Can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayo.
3. Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the garlic sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free pita bread or flatbreads if serving in that way.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Middle Eastern street food into your home. With juicy, tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and paired with a smooth, tangy garlic sauce, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether served in pita bread, over rice, or as part of a larger feast, Chicken Shawarma is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Easy to prepare, customizable, and endlessly delicious, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your cooking rotation. Enjoy!