Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ready for a dinner that’s bold, cozy, and addictive? This recipe delivers juicy spiced chicken and a silky garlic sauce—perfect for weeknight meals or feeding a crowd.

introduction

Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a fast, flavor-packed Middle Eastern favorite you’ll make again and again. Bright lemon, warm spices, and a garlicky sauce come together in a simple marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible taste. This intro shows you why this shawarma is perfect for busy cooks and flavor seekers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• Big, bold Middle Eastern flavors in under an hour
• Easy meal prep—marinate, cook, and store for lunches
• Family-friendly: mild spice but full flavor, great for kids
• Versatile: serve in pitas, bowls, salads, or on a sheet pan
• Creamy garlic sauce keeps every bite juicy and craveable

Ingredients Needed :

Protein & Marinade

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced into strips
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.)
• 2 teaspoons Cumin (No direct substitute needed.)
• 2 teaspoons Paprika (Choose sweet or smoked paprika.)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric (Can substitute with curry powder.)
• 1 teaspoon Coriander (Can be omitted or replaced with parsley.)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional but enhances flavor.)
• 4 cloves Minced Garlic (Use fresh or jarred.)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Fresh lemons yield the best taste.)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1 cup Mayonnaise (Consider Greek yogurt for a lighter option.)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Adjust according to your preference.)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Fresh is preferable.)
• 1 pinch Salt (Adjust according to taste.)

Toppings & Serving Extras

• Warm pita or flatbreads
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, chopped parsley, thinly sliced red onion
• Rice or salad greens for bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions :

1. Whisk marinade: combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken to coat. Marinate 20 minutes (or overnight in fridge).
2. Make garlic sauce: mix mayonnaise, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Cook chicken: heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (165°F internal). Work in batches if needed.
4. Rest & slice: let chicken rest 3 minutes, then slice strips if larger pieces remain.
5. Build plates: warm pita, add chicken, drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, and top with veggies and parsley. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Serve shawarma in warm pita with pickles and a drizzle of sauce for classic sandwiches. For low-carb meals, pile the chicken over a bed of greens with tomatoes, cucumber, and a spoonful of garlic sauce. Sheet-pan family dinners work great—roast veggies alongside marinated chicken and serve with rice. If you love creamy garlic pairings, also try the parmesan-crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce for another dinner idea that highlights the same bright sauce.

Tips for Success Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor: 2–4 hours or overnight if possible.
• Use thighs for juicier results; breasts work fine if not overcooked.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—browning builds flavor.
• Taste the sauce and adjust lemon or garlic to balance brightness.
• Keep extra sauce on the side so everything stays moist when reheating.
• For smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or finish under the broiler for a minute.

variation (if any)

• Beef or Lamb Shawarma: swap chicken for thinly sliced beef or lamb; reduce cook time for thin cuts.
• Yogurt Garlic Sauce: replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce.
• Vegan Option: use roasted cauliflower or tofu marinated the same way and served with the mayo-based sauce or a vegan aioli.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes—marinate up to 24 hours in the fridge. Longer marinating deepens the flavor.

Q: Can I grill this instead of pan-frying?
A: Absolutely. Grill on medium-high, turning once, about 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Q: How long does the garlic sauce keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.

Q: Is this spicy?
A: This version is mild. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade if you want heat.

Conclusion

Craving a quick, flavorful dinner? Give this shawarma a try and enjoy bold spices with silky garlic sauce—perfect for meal prep or weeknight meals. For local takeout inspiration or to compare flavors, check out Ameers Mediterranean Cafe online ordering.