Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce (Printer View)

A quick marinated chicken with aromatic spices paired with creamy garlic sauce for versatile meals.

# What you'll need:

→ Marinade

01 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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
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
18 - Sliced tomatoes
19 - Sliced red onion
20 - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# Method:

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 the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor development.
03 - Preheat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Apply a light coating of oil to the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the heated cooking surface. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and allow it 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 the sliced 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 -
  • Infused with a rich blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough for guests.
  • Includes a creamy, versatile garlic sauce that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.
02 -
  • Thighs are recommended over breasts for maximum juiciness and flavor.
  • Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.
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