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Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, spice-rubbed chicken thighs paired with a luscious garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a burst of rich, aromatic flavors that are easy to prepare and versatile to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp shawarma spice blend (cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and shawarma spice blend in a bowl. Whisk everything together until well blended to create a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Toss the thinly sliced chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then cook the chicken strips in batches, browning nicely on each side to achieve a crispy exterior with juicy, well-spiced meat inside.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste to create a velvety sauce that complements the warmth of the shawarma spices.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Serve the hot chicken drizzled generously with creamy garlic sauce. Pair with fresh veggies, warm pita, or your favorite sides for an indulgent yet homemade meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, richer flavors.
  • Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking and better marinade absorption.
  • Use high heat to achieve a slightly charred exterior.
  • Always use fresh garlic for the sauce to achieve robust flavor.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, creamy garlic sauce, Middle Eastern chicken, easy dinner, shawarma recipe, garlic sauce