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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Savory Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce for Quick Dinners

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is quick to prepare and customizable, perfect for busy evenings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Skip if unavailable
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Can use smoked paprika for more flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Replace with saffron for a unique flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Can substitute with parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional but recommended
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic preferred
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh is ideal
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to taste
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner
For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Bowl

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking
  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  2. While the chicken marinates, heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle a small amount of oil on the cooking surface to prevent sticking. Allow to get hot for about 5 minutes.
  3. Once your cooking surface is ready, place the marinated chicken onto it. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
  6. Serve your Chicken Shawarma warm in pita pockets or on a plate. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and accompany with fresh vegetables or a side salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Cook chicken whole to retain moisture and check with a meat thermometer.

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