This Easy Chicken Shawarma is packed with flavor! Juicy marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and paired with a zesty creamy garlic sauce that takes everything up a notch.
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s full of spices and can make your kitchen smell amazing? I love serving it with soft pita bread for a fun and tasty dinner!
This recipe is super simple and perfect for busy nights. Just marinate the chicken, cook it up, and slather on that creamy sauce. Dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are great for juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or jackfruit seasoned similarly.
Spices: Cumin and paprika are essential for that shawarma flavor. If you don’t have all the spices listed, just use a pre-made shawarma spice blend instead for convenience.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt adds creaminess and tang. If you’re dairy-free, opt for almond or coconut yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker, but you can use regular if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Tahini: This sesame paste adds richness to the sauce, but you can skip it if you don’t have any on hand or replace it with peanut butter for a unique twist.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Better Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to ensure a burst of flavor in every bite. Start by mixing your spices and other ingredients thoroughly, then coat your chicken really well. The longer it marinates, the better. Ideally, let it sit overnight, but at least an hour works too!
- Mix spices, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken?
For the best texture, cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or grill. Make sure it’s heated well so the chicken gets that nice sear!
- Heat oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices in.
How Can You Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Extra Delicious?
The creamy garlic sauce is simple but packs a punch! To amp up the flavor, consider roasting the garlic before mixing it into the sauce. This gives it a sweeter taste.
- Combine yogurt, mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and tahini in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Chill until serving to blend the flavors.
These insights and tips will help you craft a delicious chicken shawarma with ease! Enjoy!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt or olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tahini (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour for marinating (or up to 4 hours for the best flavor). Cooking the chicken will take about 15 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get everything ready and served!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Add in the yogurt or olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until combined. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they’re fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, let it marinate for 3-4 hours or even overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If needed, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked through and has a nice golden brown color. Once done, take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and tahini (if you’re using it). Taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Shawarma:
Warm your pita breads or flatbreads in a skillet or microwave. Spread some of the creamy garlic sauce on each piece of bread, lay down some sliced chicken, and top it off with fresh tomato, cucumber slices, red onion, and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. Be as generous as you like!
5. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce right away. Feel free to add extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. It’s a great meal for any day of the week!
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern flavors right at home with simple, easy steps!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too, but keep in mind they may be less juicy than thighs. To help keep them moist, avoid overcooking and consider marinating them for a longer time.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day before and store it in the fridge. You can also prepare the creamy garlic sauce a day in advance, which will allow the flavors to meld nicely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving; just be careful not to dry it out.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with Shawarma?
Shawarma pairs wonderfully with sides like tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple salad. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
