Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a beloved dish known for its tender, flavorful meat and rich sauce. This Middle Eastern classic combines marinated chicken with a delightful garlic sauce, all wrapped in warm bread. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also brings a hint of the exotic to your kitchen, making it a perfect choice for dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Each bite is a delicious experience, and you will surely find yourself craving the robust flavors and creamy texture of the garlic sauce.
Why We Love This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma recipe is loved for its incredible versatility and flavor. The blend of spices used in the marinade elevates the chicken’s natural flavor, while the creamy garlic sauce adds the perfect amount of richness. Preparation is straightforward, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, the ability to customize your toppings, such as fresh vegetables and herbs, makes it a great option for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. This dish is perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a weekend barbecue, or a cozy meal with friends.
Ingredients about Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Directions
To start, gather all your ingredients for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. First, prepare the marinade for the chicken by taking a large bowl and combining the olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This blend of spices is what gives the chicken its iconic flavor. Next, add the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and yogurt to the spice mixture. Stir everything well, ensuring it forms a cohesive marinade.
Now, take your chicken thighs and place them into the bowl, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least one hour. For maximum flavor, consider letting it marinate overnight, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and well blended. Set this tasty sauce aside, as it will complement the shawarma perfectly.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, take the marinated chicken thighs out of the fridge. Place them on the heated grill or skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and beautifully browned. The key is not to rush this step; allowing the chicken to get that nice char adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, which will make it easier to assemble your wraps.
If you prefer, warm your pita or flatbread in the pan for a few moments. This makes it soft and pliable, perfect for holding your delicious filling. Now, it’s time to assemble your chicken shawarma. Place a generous amount of the sliced chicken on the warm bread, followed by fresh ingredients like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley for a refreshing crunch. Don’t forget to generously drizzle your creamy garlic sauce over the top, providing a rich finish to your hearty meal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serving Chicken Shawarma is all about presentation and personal preference. Start by laying out warm pita or flatbreads on plates or a large serving platter. Pile high with the sliced chicken to make it truly enticing. You can add an assortment of fresh toppings like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and bright green parsley to bring color and flavor to the dish.
You might also want to serve extra creamy garlic sauce on the side, allowing your guests to help themselves as they assemble their wraps. This approach not only makes for an interactive dining experience but ensures that everyone can customize their shawarma to their liking. Consider offering sides such as crispy fries or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. With everything beautifully arranged, your dinner table will look just as inviting as a restaurant, ready for everyone to dig in.
Expert Tips: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
To ensure your Chicken Shawarma turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips you can follow. First, don’t skip the marinating stage. This step is crucial, as it allows the spices to fully penetrate the chicken, enhancing its flavor and tenderness. For deeper flavor, marinate it overnight.
When cooking the chicken, make sure your cooking surface is hot enough. This helps achieve a nice sear, which locks in moisture and creates a delicious crispy exterior. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
If you’d like to experiment, try adding different spices or herbs to your marinade. Feel free to adjust the levels of garlic or lemon juice in the sauce to suit your taste buds. Remember, cooking is about making a dish your own. Finally, if you have leftovers, store them properly. Keep the chicken and sauce separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again, as this ensures the bread stays fresh and the chicken maintains its flavor.
How to Store Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Storing leftover Chicken Shawarma is simple. Start by letting the chicken cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container. If you’ve made the creamy garlic sauce, store it in a separate container to keep its consistency and flavor intact.
Keep both the chicken and the sauce in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to two to three days. Reheating the chicken should be done gently to prevent it from drying out; a microwave or skillet works well for this purpose. If you have leftover pita or flatbread, it’s best to store it in a separate bag or container at room temperature or in the fridge depending on how long you plan to keep it.
Variation of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
The versatility of Chicken Shawarma means you can adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. If you’re looking to make a lighter version, consider using chicken breast instead of thighs. This will yield a leaner meal but still deliciously flavorful with the right seasonings. Alternatively, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins, like turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with the spices! While the classic blend works beautifully, feel free to mix it up. Adding smoked paprika or fresh herbs can give a new twist to your Chicken Shawarma. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try grilling the chicken for an authentic smoky flavor that enhances this dish even more.
You can also customize your creamy garlic sauce. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some harissa. Alternatively, for a herbaceous version, blend in some fresh cilantro or dill. Your Chicken Shawarma can become a personalized masterpiece tailored to your preferences.
FAQ
What is Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a popular Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a rich garlic sauce. You can wrap the chicken in warm pita or flatbread, topped with fresh veggies.
How do I make the perfect Chicken Shawarma marinade?
To make the ideal marinade for your Chicken Shawarma, combine olive oil with spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and allspice. This mix, along with garlic and yogurt, will infuse the chicken with wonderful flavors.
Can I use different types of meat for Shawarma?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you may use lamb, beef, or turkey as alternatives. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or paneer can work well too.
How long can I store Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Leftovers can last in the refrigerator for about two to three days when stored in airtight containers. Ensure to keep the sauce separate to maintain its freshness.
What toppings go well with Chicken Shawarma?
You can add a variety of toppings to your Chicken Shawarma, including sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. A drizzle of extra garlic sauce on top elevates the flavors even further!
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
For the creamy garlic sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For serving
- 4 pieces pita bread or flatbread
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
- Prepare the marinade by combining the olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, and yogurt to the spice mixture. Stir well to form a cohesive marinade.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Making the Sauce
- Whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini (if using), salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl until smooth.
- Set the garlic sauce aside.
Cooking
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and browned.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Assembly
- Warm the pita or flatbread in the pan until soft and pliable.
- Assemble your chicken shawarma by placing sliced chicken on the warm bread, followed by fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top and serve immediately.
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