Irresistible Chicken Shawarma Garlic (Print Version)

Tender chicken infused with aromatic spices, served with a creamy garlic sauce perfect for various meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Marinade

01 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked
04 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or lime juice
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Chicken

11 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

→ Garlic Sauce

12 - 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - Pinch of salt

→ For Serving

16 - Pita bread or flatbreads
17 - Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion
18 - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor development.
03 - Preheat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Discard excess marinade.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Arrange chicken in pita bread or on a serving plate, generously drizzle with garlic sauce, and top with fresh vegetables and herbs as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is accessible even on busy weeknights.
  • Bold, authentic flavors: A carefully balanced marinade of cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, and lemon juice creates a deeply aromatic and satisfying dish.
  • Versatile serving options: Enjoy it in pita bread, over rice, in a salad bowl, or as a standalone protein — the possibilities are endless.
  • Family-friendly: The spice blend is flavorful without being overpowering, making it a hit with both adults and children.
  • Adaptable to dietary needs: Easily made dairy-free with mayonnaise-based garlic sauce, or gluten-free by skipping the pita and using gluten-free wraps.
02 -
  • Marinate overnight: For the deepest, most developed flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight rather than just 30 minutes.
  • Choose thighs over breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during high-heat cooking than chicken breasts.
  • Rest your chicken: Always let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
  • Lighter garlic sauce: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, tangier garlic sauce with fewer calories.
  • Extra zest: Add a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes over the finished dish for an extra layer of brightness and heat.
  • Check for allergens: Always check product labels for eggs, dairy, or gluten cross-contamination, especially in mayonnaise and prepared sauces.
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