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Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce

Savory Chicken Shawarma with Zesty Garlic Sauce Delight

Delight in the flavors of Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce with tender marinated chicken and creamy garlic sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs The juicy choice that stays tender during cooking.
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt A must for the marinade; it keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and helps create a smooth garlic sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Essential for tenderizing the chicken and enhancing the sauce.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Infuses both the chicken and sauce with bold flavor.
For the Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Elevates the shawarma flavor profile with its warm, earthy notes.
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Brightens the dish with its citrusy zest.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the spices.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Introduces a subtle smokiness, reminiscent of grilled meats.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Offers a beautiful golden color and a mild, warm flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon Adds depth and an unexpected sweet spice allure.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper A perfect way to adjust heat levels; use to taste.
  • to taste Salt Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
For the Garlic Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Ice Water Helps achieve the desired creamy consistency in your garlic sauce.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • food processor
  • Skillet or grill pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Incorporate minced garlic and spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika into the mixture, blending until fully combined.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and, if preferred, cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Place the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
  3. In a food processor, add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, processing until the garlic reaches a paste-like consistency. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, allowing the mixture to emulsify into a thick, fluffy garlic sauce. If needed, add ice water gradually until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
  4. Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving the chicken, then flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 more minutes.
  5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips.
  6. Warm up some pita bread and layer the sliced Chicken Shawarma inside. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, and add fresh veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a crunchy contrast.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Can be prepped ahead of time for busy weeknights or gatherings. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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