Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
**Craving a flavorful, juicy chicken dish?** Try this easy-to-make **Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce** recipe! Packed with aromatic spices and perfectly grilled chicken, this dish brings the tastes of the Middle East straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it on a pita, over rice, or as part of a fresh salad, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for bold, savory flavors.
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#### Ingredients:
**For the Chicken Shawarma:**
– **2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs**
– **1/4 cup olive oil**
– **1 tablespoon ground cumin**
– **1 tablespoon ground coriander**
– **1 tablespoon paprika**
– **1 teaspoon ground turmeric**
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
– **1 teaspoon cayenne pepper**
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **4 cloves garlic** (minced)
**For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:**
– **1/2 cup Greek yogurt**
– **2 tablespoons mayonnaise**
– **2 tablespoons lemon juice**
– **4 cloves garlic** (minced)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– In a large bowl, combine the **olive oil**, **ground cumin**, **ground coriander**, **paprika**, **ground turmeric**, **ground cinnamon**, **cayenne pepper**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **minced garlic**.
– Add the **boneless, skinless chicken thighs** to the bowl, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least **1 hour** (or overnight for maximum flavor).
#### 2. **Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:**
– While the chicken is marinating, mix together the **Greek yogurt**, **mayonnaise**, **lemon juice**, **minced garlic**, and **olive oil** in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
– Season the sauce with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
#### 3. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
– Grill or cook the marinated chicken thighs for about **6-7 minutes per side**, or until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (75°C)** and the chicken is golden brown with crispy edges.
– Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
#### 4. **Assemble the Shawarma:**
– Warm up **pita bread** or **flatbreads** (optional) and fill with the sliced **chicken shawarma**.
– Drizzle with the **creamy garlic sauce**, and add your favorite toppings such as **sliced cucumbers**, **tomatoes**, **pickles**, and **fresh parsley**.
#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve the **Chicken Shawarma** with your choice of sides like **hummus**, **tabbouleh**, or **fries** for a complete meal. Enjoy the savory, tender chicken with the cool and creamy garlic sauce!
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### Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Recipe:
– **Packed with Flavor:** The combination of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon creates a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.
– **Creamy Garlic Sauce:** The tangy and creamy garlic sauce balances the spiced chicken, making every bite irresistible.
– **Easy to Make:** This recipe is simple, requires minimal prep, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving guests.
– **Customizable:** Serve this shawarma in wraps, on plates, or even over a bed of rice. Add your favorite veggies and toppings to suit your taste.
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### Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma:
– **Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs:** Chicken thighs are ideal for shawarma because they’re juicy and flavorful. They hold up better on the grill than chicken breasts.
– **Marinate Overnight:** For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to fully penetrate the meat.
– **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
– **Grill for Extra Flavor:** If you have access to an outdoor grill, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
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### Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
– **Calories:** ~380-420 (depending on chicken portion size and sauce usage)
– **Protein:** 30g
– **Fat:** 25g
– **Carbs:** 10g
– **Fiber:** 1g
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