Get ready for a flavor adventure with this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe! Imagine juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread, topped with a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Each bite is a delightful crunch, contrasting with the tender chicken and fresh veggies. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends or whip up for a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor that feels like a little trip to the streets of the Middle East. Trust me, you’ll love how creamy the garlic sauce is—without using any cream! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is everything you need in a meal: quick, scrumptious, and satisfying. The tender and marinated chicken thighs are grilled or roasted to perfection, and when you wrap them in pita with a zesty garlic sauce, you get a taste explosion. The freshness of the veggies adds a nice crunch, making every bite delightful. Plus, this dish is versatile and budget-friendly!
Benefits:
- Speedy to Prepare: Whip up dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Juicy Texture: The marinated chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are basic staples.
- Meal Prep Champion: Great for packing lunches!
- Customizable: Adjust spices and toppings to your liking.
- Dietary-Friendly: Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- 500g chicken thighs or breasts – Juicy protein base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Enhances flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander – Brings a citrusy note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric – Provides a lovely golden color.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings for taste.
- 4 pita breads – Soft wraps to hold everything together.
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded – Crunchy greens for freshness.
- 1 tomato, diced – Juicy and vibrant topping.
- 1 cucumber, diced – Crisp, refreshing addition.
- 1/4 cup garlic sauce or tahini – Creamy, flavorful dressing.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Phase 1 – Prep
- Start by marinating the chicken. Combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the veggies. Dice the tomato and cucumber, and shred the lettuce.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Warm the pita breads in the skillet for a few seconds until soft.
- Layer the sliced chicken, veggies, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce inside the pita. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Let It Marinate: The longer your chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes if you have time!
- Grill for Char: If you can, grill your chicken for extra flavor. A grill pan works great!
- Storage Superhero: Make extra chicken and freeze it for later. Just slice and portion it after cooking and you can enjoy it again in a flash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking unevenly: If the chicken is too thick, it might cook unevenly. Make sure to pound it to an even thickness before marinating.
Overcooking: Watch the cooking time! Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
Skipping the rest: Letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in juices. Don’t skip this step!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas instead of pita.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute tahini for garlic sauce if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Spicy: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herbal: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness.
- Cooking Method: Easy stovetop grilling, Instant Pot for pressure cooking, or air fryer for a healthier twist.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Best Pairings: Hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Slice up some olives or parsley for additional flavor.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes, absolutely! The marinated chicken can be prepared a day in advance, and the veggies can be prepped for quick assembling.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep veggies separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If using the microwave, heat for 30 seconds, stir, then heat for another 30 seconds until warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just thaw it in the fridge before marinating and cooking.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Add more garlic sauce or tahini to enhance creaminess.
Can I double it?
Yes, just adjust cooking times if using more chicken to ensure even cooking.
How to fix a too-thick sauce?
Add a bit of water or olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
Now that you’re ready to dive into this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, you’ll experience the rich flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish a standout! It’s creamy without cream, easy to whip up, and perfect for sharing. Try it out, and don’t forget to rate or leave a comment on your experience!
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g chicken thighs or breasts Juicy protein base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Enhances flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander Brings a citrusy note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric Provides a lovely golden color.
- Salt salt Essential seasoning for taste.
- Pepper pepper Essential seasoning for taste.
For Serving
- 4 pieces pita breads Soft wraps to hold everything together.
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded Crunchy greens for freshness.
- 1 piece tomato, diced Juicy and vibrant topping.
- 1 piece cucumber, diced Crisp, refreshing addition.
- 1/4 cup garlic sauce or tahini Creamy, flavorful dressing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the veggies: dice the tomato and cucumber, and shred the lettuce.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips.
Serving
- Warm the pita breads in the skillet for a few seconds until soft.
- Layer the sliced chicken, veggies, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce inside the pita. Enjoy every bite!