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.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 min to 1 hour (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken shawarma, creamy garlic sauce, Middle Eastern chicken, easy dinner, shawarma recipe, garlic sauce