Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving; Vegetables for serving (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers); Extra garlic sauce for drizzling

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Introduction

When you think of comfort food, something savory and aromatic often comes to mind. The warm spices, tender meat, and creamy sauces create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce offers that satisfying experience right in your own home. This dish is not only delicious but also allows you to customize each serving with your favorite toppings. The fusion of Middle Eastern spices combined with a rich garlic sauce makes it a hit for family meals or gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you try this at home, it may become a regular on your dinner table.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to whip up a batch of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The blend of spices creates a unique taste that transports your taste buds straight to the streets of the Middle East. The garlic sauce adds a creamy richness that ties everything together beautifully.

Moreover, it is versatile. You can serve Shawarma in pita bread, on a plate, or even as a salad. This allows you to customize it to your liking and cater to different dietary preferences.

Making Chicken Shawarma at home is also a fantastic way to create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, preparing and sharing this dish can bring everyone together. Plus, when you cook it yourself, you know exactly what’s going into your meal.

Lastly, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

The process of creating Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can do it.

Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
Vegetables for serving (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
Extra garlic sauce for drizzling

These ingredients are easily accessible and can often be found in your local grocery store.

Directions

Here’s how you can bring everything together to create a beautiful meal:

In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, yogurt, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side on the grill, or bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread with fresh vegetables and drizzle with extra garlic sauce.

These steps are uncomplicated, making it a perfect recipe for both beginner and experienced cooks.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Bringing together all the elements of this dish makes for an enjoyable dining experience. To serve Chicken Shawarma, start by placing some thinly sliced chicken in a warm pita or flatbread.

Layer it with fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices. These ingredients add a refreshing crunch that complements the spices in the chicken.

Do not forget to drizzle a generous amount of garlic sauce over the top. The tanginess and creaminess of the sauce enhance the overall flavors and tie everything together beautifully.

Feel free to serve it with side dishes like rice or fries for a filling meal or keep it light with a simple salad on the side.

How to Store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Chicken Shawarma is simple. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

You can store the sliced chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that any extra garlic sauce is also stored separately in a sealed container.

If you want to keep the chicken for a longer time, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.

Tips to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Marinate Longer: While marinating the chicken for at least an hour is good, marinating overnight yields even better flavor. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more the spices will penetrate the meat.
Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are more forgiving during cooking than breasts. They stay moist and tender, making them an excellent choice for Shawarma.
Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: Garlic sauce is a key player in this dish. Make extra if you can; it can be drizzled on everything, adding flavor and richness.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a nice heat to the dish if you enjoy spicy foods.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal to your plate. Choose vibrant, crisp ingredients to give your dish that extra pop.

Variations

Though Chicken Shawarma is truly delightful as is, there are numerous ways to enjoy it. Here are some variations you might consider:

Alternative Proteins: If you want to switch it up, you can use lamb, beef, or even plant-based proteins such as mushrooms or chickpeas. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the table.
Spicy Garlic Sauce: For a bolder kick, mix in some sriracha or chili flakes into your garlic sauce for a spicy twist.
Herb Infusion: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the chicken marinade can provide a fresh, herby note that complements the spices well.
Wrap It Up: Instead of using pita or flatbreads, consider wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free meal.
Shawarma Salad: Use the sliced chicken as a protein for a salad base. Toss with mixed greens, colorful veggies, and creamy garlic sauce for a refreshing meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts; just keep in mind that they tend to dry out more quickly. Consider marinating them longer or cooking them at a lower temperature to retain moisture.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially if you’re baking it.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it for the chicken.

Is the garlic sauce safe to eat afterward?

Yes, as long as it is stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within a week. If it contains yogurt, make sure to check for freshness before use.

What sides pair well with Chicken Shawarma?

You can pair it with a range of sides such as rice pilaf, tabbouleh salad, or even a simple cucumber-tomato salad. French fries or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors nicely.

Making Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a delightful experience that not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a bit of joy into your kitchen and onto your table. With simple steps, fresh ingredients, and a dash of love, you’ll create a dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

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Ingredients

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