Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

why make this recipe

This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce is full of warm spices and bright garlic flavor. It cooks fast and feeds a small group. You can make it at home with simple steps and common ingredients.

introduction

This recipe uses easy pantry spices and plain chicken thighs. It gives juicy, slightly charred slices that go well in pita or flatbread. If you like garlic with chicken, try a creamy twist like in this chicken rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce recipe for another simple meal idea.

how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Marinate the chicken with olive oil and the spice mix. Let the meat sit so it takes the flavors. Cook on a hot skillet or grill until edges get a light char. Rest the chicken, then slice thin. Serve in warm pita with sliced vegetables and a good drizzle of garlic sauce.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
• Sliced vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions) for garnish
• Garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions :

1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread or flatbreads, topped with sliced vegetables and drizzled with garlic sauce.
   
   

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Warm the pita or flatbread. Add sliced chicken, then fresh vegetables. Spoon or drizzle garlic sauce on top. Fold the pita and eat with your hands.

how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Cool the cooked chicken to room temperature. Put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven. Store the garlic sauce separately for best texture.

tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• Marinate longer for more flavor — overnight is best.
• Pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a light char.
• Use high heat on the skillet or grill to get color fast.
• Slice across the grain for tender pieces.
• For a creamy meal idea with garlic, also see this crispy parmesan chicken with rich garlic sauce recipe for a different take on garlic chicken.

variation (if any)

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs; reduce cook time slightly.
• Add yogurt to the marinade for a softer texture.
• Roast the chicken in the oven if you do not have a grill or skillet.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works. Cook a little less time so it stays juicy.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate 30 minutes to overnight. Longer gives more flavor.

Q: Can I make the garlic sauce at home?
A: Yes. A simple toum or mayonnaise-based garlic sauce works well. Keep it chilled.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked shawarma?
A: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Is shawarma spicy?
A: It can be mild to medium. Adjust cayenne to make it milder or hotter.

Conclusion

For a similar home-style shawarma idea and tips, see Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce – Lite Cravings.
If you want a trusted garlic sauce recipe to make at home, check Garlic Sauce {Homemade Lebanese Toum} – Feel Good Foodie.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

This chicken shawarma is marinated in warm spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for wrapping in pita or flatbreads.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spiciness
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
• Sliced vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions) for garnish
• Garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Cooking

1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
3. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving

1. Warm the pita or flatbread. Add sliced chicken, then fresh vegetables. Spoon or drizzle garlic sauce on top. Fold the pita and eat with your hands.

Notes

Marinate longer for more flavor — overnight is best. Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a good char. Use high heat on the skillet or grill for quick color. Slice across the grain for tender pieces. For a creamy option, see the crispy parmesan chicken with rich garlic sauce recipe.