Go Back
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Tender spiced chicken with a creamy, addictive garlic sauce that tastes just like your favorite Mediterranean restaurant.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs sliced thin
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt for sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic for sauce
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice for sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for sauce
  • 2 tbsp cold water for sauce

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken into thin strips about 1/2 inch thick, cutting against the grain for tenderness.
  2. Mix marinade by combining olive oil, minced garlic, all spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Coat chicken by adding strips to the marinade and massaging with your hands until every piece is covered. Let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the fridge.
  4. Heat skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Don't crowd the pan.
  5. Cook chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes without moving it, until golden brown edges form. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Make garlic sauce by adding Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cold water to a blender. Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Serve the chicken in warm pita bread with vegetables and generous amounts of garlic sauce, or over rice as a bowl.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts but either works fine.
  • Double the garlic sauce recipe - everyone always wants more.
  • Fresh spices make a big difference in flavor.
  • Store cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 5 days.