Irresistible Chicken Shawarma Garlic (Printable)

A flavorful chicken dish marinated with spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for various meals.

# What You Need:

→ Marinade

01 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked paprika preferred
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, preferably Himalayan pink 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, 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 fully combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for maximum flavor development.
03 - Preheat a grill or non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
05 - Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then 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 serving plate, drizzle generously with garlic sauce, and top with fresh vegetables and herbs as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple to prepare with a 30-minute marinating time for deep flavor.
  • Features an authentic blend of Middle Eastern spices found in most pantries.
  • The garlic sauce provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.
  • Highly adaptable for different dietary needs, including dairy-free and gluten-free options.
02 -
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • Use a non-stick pan or well-oiled grill to keep the spiced marinade from sticking to the surface.
  • If using Greek yogurt for the sauce, let it sit for a few minutes after mixing to allow the garlic flavor to mellow.
Go Back