If you have a craving for rich, flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, you’re in for a treat. This Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe brings together tender, marinated chicken infused with aromatic spices and paired with a creamy, garlicky sauce that elevates the dish to something truly special. Every bite offers a perfect balance of vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building those unforgettable layers of flavor — from the earthy spices that coat the chicken to the zesty lemon juice that brightens the dish and the creamy garlic sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs hold moisture better and stay juicy, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere and adds richness; neutral oil works if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin: Adds an earthy depth; coriander is a brilliant substitute if you run out.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a rustic aroma; regular paprika is fine too.
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric: Offers warmth and a golden hue; curry powder can be swapped in.
- 1 teaspoon Coriander: Provides a citrusy edge; cumin can double up here if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Just a hint adds subtle sweetness; leave out if cinnamon isn’t your thing.
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference for authentic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Brightens and tenderizes the chicken; lime juice works beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Season to taste for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper: Adds gentle heat; adjust as you like.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Base for the garlic sauce; Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.
- 2 cloves Extra Minced Garlic: For that punchy garlic sauce flavor; more or less to your liking.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Adds zing to the garlic sauce.
- Additional Veggies: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickled turnips make perfect toppings or sides.
How to Make Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and coat them thoroughly with this fragrant blend. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — though letting it marinate for several hours or overnight unlocks even more depth and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare your signature garlic sauce by combining mayonnaise, extra minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir well and adjust the garlic and lemon to your preferred intensity. This sauce is the creamy, tangy heart of this recipe and it’s worth taking a moment to perfect.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat or prepare a grill, then cook the marinated chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until it’s beautifully caramelized and cooked through. The spices will form a tasty crust while the inside stays juicy and tender. Be sure not to overcrowd your pan for the best results.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips. This step helps retain all the juices and keeps the chicken moist. Now you’re ready to assemble your shawarma experience!
How to Serve Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and crunch bring this dish to life, so think chopped parsley, sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, or pickled turnips as your go-to toppings. A sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of extra garlic sauce adds even more pizzazz.
Side Dishes
Serve with warm pita bread or fluffy rice for a filling meal. A simple fattoush or tabbouleh salad also complements the texture and flavor brilliantly, adding herbs and zesty brightness underneath the rich chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe into wraps or bowls. Layer the sliced chicken, sauce, and veggies in soft flatbreads, or pile them over grains and let everyone customize their perfect bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart preserves the sauce’s freshness and keeps the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
Chicken shawarma freezes wonderfully. Just place the cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Garlic sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it if needed—just thaw and stir well before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can dry out the meat. Warm the garlic sauce separately and add it fresh when serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during cooking because of their higher fat content.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While classic chicken shawarma is the star here, you can try marinated and grilled mushrooms or cauliflower with the same spice blend for a plant-based twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is lightly spiced to highlight the aromatic flavors without being overly hot. You can add chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely. Marinate the chicken the night before and prepare the garlic sauce early on. You can cook the chicken just before serving or keep it warm in the oven if needed.
What’s the best way to eat chicken shawarma?
Traditionally, it’s wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce and fresh veggies. But it’s equally delicious served over rice, in salad bowls, or even on its own as a protein-packed snack.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe, it’s easy to see why it’s such a beloved dish. The marriage of juicy, spice-kissed chicken and creamy garlic sauce will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds. So go on, gather those simple ingredients, follow these steps, and bring a little slice of Middle Eastern home to your kitchen tonight!
Print
Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Juicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe brings the authentic Middle Eastern street food experience to your kitchen with tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served with a creamy, flavorful garlic sauce. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for bold, aromatic flavors and juicy, succulent chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Thighs keep moisture better)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (Earthy depth, can substitute with coriander)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Use smoked paprika for a rustic taste)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric (Can substitute with curry powder)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander (Can use cumin as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Omit if not preferred)
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh is best)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Can substitute with lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust to taste)
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 cloves Extra Minced Garlic (Adjust for desired garlicky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Add more for enhanced flavor)
Additional Garnishes
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Pickled turnips
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juicy inside, with a slight char on the outside. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, extra minced garlic, and lemon juice. Adjust garlic and lemon juice to taste for the perfect balance of tangy and garlicky flavor.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Serve on warm flatbread or pita with garlic sauce and additional veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickled turnips for freshness and crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with your preferred veggies and enjoy this juicy, flavorful chicken shawarma with the creamy garlic sauce that complements every bite.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more juicy, tender meat; breasts work if preferred leaner.
- Adjust spices to taste, especially cinnamon, which can be omitted if undesired.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Marinate chicken for longer (up to 24 hours) for more intense flavor.
- Serve with warm pita or flatbread for the best traditional experience.
- You can add other garnishes like fresh herbs (parsley or mint) for extra freshness.
