Indulging in Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is like embarking on a culinary adventure. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken enveloped in warm pita bread, drizzled with a velvety garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone wonder what delicious secret you’re cooking up.
There’s something magical about the first bite tender chicken mingling with bold spices and that creamy garlic goodness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, this dish never fails to impress and delights all who take part.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavor profile will have you coming back for seconds
- The vibrant colors of the dish make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- It’s versatile enough to enjoy in wraps, salads, or even on its own
I remember the first time I made Chicken Shawarma my friends devoured it faster than I could say “extra garlic sauce.” The laughter and compliments were endless
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd’s appetite.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key it adds that pungent kick you crave in every bite.
- Yogurt: A creamy base for marination opt for plain Greek yogurt for that extra thickness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric): These spices pack a flavorful punch don’t skimp on them
- Pita Bread: Soft and fluffy, it’s perfect for wrapping around all those delicious fillings.
- Sliced Vegetables (Cucumber, Tomato): Fresh veggies add crunch and balance to the rich flavors of shawarma.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Ingredients (Mayonnaise, Garlic Powder): This sauce is the icing on the cake it’s what makes everything glorious
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cooking Chicken Shawarma is as easy as pie or should I say pita? Here’s how to bring this dish to life step by step.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat them evenly in this flavor-packed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and once hot, lay down your marinated chicken. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The sizzling sound will make you smile
Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for about five minutes. This helps retain moisture slice it thinly against the grain afterward for tenderness.
Prepare Vegetables: While your chicken rests, slice up fresh cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. You want these crunchy bites to complement that tender chicken perfectly
Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon juice whisk until smooth. Taste test as if you could resist and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble Your Dish: Warm pitas in another pan or microwave if you prefer. Layer sliced chicken evenly inside each pita alongside sliced vegetables. Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce fold it up like a delicious present waiting to be unwrapped.
Enjoying your homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is like hosting an extravagant feast right at home Each bite transports you straight to culinary heaven while keeping that cozy vibe intact who knew dinner could be so fun?
You Must Know
- This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavor explosion
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and taste, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion
- The enticing aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Sear it in a hot skillet, then finish cooking it in the oven to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices, adding cumin or coriander for extra depth. Toss in veggies like bell peppers or onions while cooking for a colorful twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain juiciness and avoid drying out the chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce unforgettable, consider these expert tips
- Proper marinating is key to flavor absorption
- Maintain balanced heat during cooking for perfect browning without burning
- Adapt seasonings based on your preference for an individualized touch
Memories of my first shawarma attempt come rushing back I forgot garlic powder and learned that flavor matters Friends loved my accidental creation, but I vowed never to skip ingredients again
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely Chicken thighs add moisture and richness, enhancing the overall flavor of your shawarma.
How can I make a vegetarian version?
Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian shawarma option.
What’s the best way to serve Chicken Shawarma?
Serve it wrapped in pita bread, topped with fresh veggies and creamy garlic sauce for a delicious meal experience.
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Middle East right to your kitchen. This recipe features succulent chicken marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, wrapped in fluffy pita bread, and topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress family and friends while satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
- Rest & Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: Mix mayonnaise with garlic powder and lemon juice until smooth; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble: Warm pitas and fill them with sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita sandwich (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
