Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful, juicy Middle Eastern–inspired dish made with tender marinated chicken, warm spices, and a creamy homemade garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Shawarma
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup plain yogurt optional, for tenderness
Garlic Sauce (Toum)
- 6 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup neutral oil sunflower or canola
- 1 tbsp ice water optional for texture
Shortcut Option:
- ½ cup mayonnaise instead of emulsifying oil
For Serving (Optional)
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Pickled onions or pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley
- French fries optional
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Make the Garlic Sauce
- Blend garlic and salt until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle oil while blending to create a creamy emulsion.
- Add lemon juice and blend again.
- Adjust thickness with ice water if needed.
- Shortcut: Mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Assemble the Shawarma
- Warm pita bread.
- Add sliced chicken.
- Drizzle garlic sauce generously.
- Add vegetables and herbs.
- Wrap tightly and serve.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide the juiciest results.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor significantly.
- For extra char, cook chicken on high heat briefly at the end.
- Garlic sauce flavor intensifies after chilling.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 35gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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