Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Oh, Chicken Shawarma! What’s not to love? I fondly remember the first time I tried a warming, flavorful shawarma at a local food festival. The fragrant spices and tender meat wrapped in a fluffy pita quickly stole my heart—and my taste buds! Ever since that magical day, I’ve been on a quest to create my own homemade version right in my kitchen.

This Chicken Shawarma recipe is special to me because it’s not just delicious; it’s also super fun to make, especially when I gather friends or family around to share stories while we cook. Plus, the homemade garlic sauce is a total game changer. Trust me, it’s the perfect companion to all those savory spices. You’ll want to slather that garlic goodness on everything!

What’s in Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce?

Chicken Thighs: Juicy and forgiving, chicken thighs are my go-to for shawarma. They’re more flavorful than breasts, and when marinated, they become incredibly tender!

Garlic: The star player in our garlic sauce! Fresh garlic gives a robust zing that complements the shawarma beautifully. Plus, who can resist the aroma of roasting garlic?

Yogurt: A little tanginess adds depth to the marinade, and it also tenderizes the chicken. I prefer using Greek yogurt for a richer consistency.

Spices: The holy trinity for this dish includes cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. They sing together harmoniously to create a warm and inviting flavor profile.

Pita Bread: The perfect vessel to hold all that deliciousness! I love to use freshly baked pita if I can, but store-bought works just fine in a pinch.

Vegetables: Toppings like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce add crunch and freshness to contrast the savory chicken.

Is Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Good for You?

Absolutely! This dish can be quite healthy when made with fresh, whole ingredients.

Chicken Thighs: High in protein, and while they are a bit fatty, they contain healthy fats that keep you satisfied and energized.

Garlic: Besides its deliciousness, garlic is famous for its health benefits—think immune system support and heart health.

Yogurt: Packed with probiotics, it’s great for gut health! Opt for low-fat yogurt if you want to lighten things up a bit.

While Chicken Shawarma is generally healthy, moderation is key. If you load up on sauces or fatty toppings, you may offset those benefits a tad. But, with fresh veggies and that yummy garlic sauce, you can indulge a bit guilt-free!

Ingredients List

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced (plus more for the sauce)
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pita breads
– Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
– For the garlic sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 3 tablespoons yogurt
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Servings: Makes about 4-6 servings

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce?

1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are well-coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or, better yet, overnight for maximum flavor.

2. **Preheat the Oven:** When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a grill, that works even better!

3. **Cook the Chicken:** Spread the marinated chicken onto a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy. If you’re grilling, cook on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side.

4. **Make the Garlic Sauce:** While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.

5. **Prepare the Pitas:** Warm your pita bread if you like it fresh and soft.

6. **Build Your Shawarma:** Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Layer the sliced chicken on the pita along with your favorite veggies, and don’t forget to drizzle on that fabulous garlic sauce.

7. **Enjoy!** Wrap it up or serve it open-faced with extra lemon juice on the side.

Serve It Up!

Feel free to get creative here! You can add other toppings like pickles, turnips, or even a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with rice or quinoa instead of pita. And remember, this chicken makes a fabulous filling for sandwiches the next day too!

I hope you give this Chicken Shawarma recipe a try! It’s a fun, delicious meal that brings people together. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—whether it’s a family night in or a quick meal for one, let’s make some fantastic memories over a plate of shawarma!