Bold Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Bold Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce 🥙🧄✨

1. Introduction

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave a delicious, savory experience, then this chicken shawarma recipe is your new favorite. Known for its aromatic spices and tender, juicy meat, this Middle Eastern Chicken dish is elevated by a luscious creamy garlic sauce that perfectly complements the spices. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe provides a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love. For more flavorful chicken recipes, check out our chicken tag.

2. Ingredients Needed for Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3. Creating the Flavorful Marinade

Step-by-step marinade preparation

Start by combining the olive oil, ground spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture, ensuring every piece is well marinated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.

4. Cooking the Chicken Shawarma

Cooking options for perfect results

For a quick and juicy result, you can cook the marinated chicken in a hot Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1. Alternatively, for a smoky flavor, use a grill or a cast-iron skillet. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

5. Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Steps to make the perfect garlic sauce

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with 4 cloves of minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth. For extra richness, stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This creamy garlic sauce adds a luscious contrast to the spicy chicken and can be prepared while the chicken marinates.

Want to see more delicious sauces? Check out our collection at sauce tag.

6. Assembly and Serving Suggestions

How to serve delicious Middle Eastern Chicken

Warm up some pita bread or flatbreads. Place the sliced chicken inside and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Add fresh toppings like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles for added crunch and flavor. Serve with a side of vegetable salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty featuring, consider pairing with our garlic butter pasta.

7. Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, then assemble with fresh bread and sauce. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers even more delightful.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but be careful not to overcook as they tend to dry out faster. Thighs remain juicier and more flavorful for shawarma recipes.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

Including marination, it takes about 2 to 24 hours. Cooking and assembly take approximately 30-40 minutes.

9. Conclusion

This Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma with a luscious creamy garlic sauce is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into any dinner rotation. Its aromatic spice blend and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser, while the creamy garlic dip adds a delightful richness. For an even better experience, equip your kitchen with tools like the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for refreshing drinks or the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to prep ingredients with ease. Dive into this flavorful Middle Eastern Chicken dish today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Bold Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Discover the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with our Bold Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma topped with a creamy garlic sauce. This flavorful dish features tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection, topped with a luscious garlic dip, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful party spread, this shawarma recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
2. Thoroughly coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor infusion.
3. Cook the marinated chicken in a hot oven, grill, or cast-iron skillet until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side. Rest before slicing into thin strips.
4. Prepare the garlic sauce by mixing Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
5. Warm pita bread or flatbreads. Fill with sliced chicken, drizzle with garlic sauce, and add fresh toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
6. Serve with vegetable salads or roasted vegetables for a complete Middle Eastern meal. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for optimal flavor, refrigerate overnight.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful shawarma, but chicken breasts can be substituted with careful cooking.
• Add fresh herbs to the garlic sauce for extra flavor complexity.
• Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or traditional Middle Eastern sides for an authentic experience.

• Author: Serena Miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Pan-frying, Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Dairy-Free option available

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 large pita wrap
• Calories: 450 Kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg