Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a quick and easy Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe brings bold flavors and versatility to your table, perfect for wraps, salads, or on its own.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp shawarma spice mix (blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Pita bread or flatbread (optional)
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, shawarma spice mix, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade and let them rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken marinates, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create a creamy and tangy garlic sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked, achieving a slightly crisp exterior that locks in juiciness.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture, then slice thinly into strips ideal for wrapping or plating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sliced chicken warm with a generous drizzle of garlic sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and enjoy on pita bread, in salads, or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat.
- Adjust garlic amount in sauce to control intensity.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even searing.
- Always rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern, Quick Dinner, Spiced Chicken, Shawarma Wrap, Healthy, Gluten Free