Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic: 7 Flavorful Secrets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced very finely or pressed); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1-2 tablespoons cold water; Pita bread or flatbreads; Sliced tomatoes; Thinly sliced red onion; Chopped fresh parsley; Pickled cucumbers or turnips; Lettuce

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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic is a delightful Middle Eastern dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with a rich garlic sauce, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or an impressive meal to share with friends. This recipe breaks down the complex flavors into manageable steps, ensuring that you can achieve authentic results right in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish will undoubtedly impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic recipe is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes total.
Delicious and tender chicken thighs marinated in spices.
Perfect for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Pairs well with pita bread, making it a great wrap option.
This recipe caters to gluten-free diets.
Easy to make at home, saving you a trip to a restaurant.
Enjoy the flavors of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic

Gather these items:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced very finely or pressed)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons cold water
Pita bread or flatbreads
Sliced tomatoes
Thinly sliced red onion
Chopped fresh parsley
Pickled cucumbers or turnips
Lettuce

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic sauce by combining minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil while whisking continuously until thick and creamy.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.
Step 5: Warm pita bread or flatbreads by toasting in a pan or microwave.
Step 6: Spread garlic sauce on warm pita bread, layer with cooked chicken, and add toppings: sliced tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and pickled cucumbers.
Step 7: Fold the pita bread in half or roll it up to create your shawarma wrap. Serve immediately.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic: 7 Flavorful Secrets - Chicken Shawarma with Garlic - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma with Garlic

Keep these in mind:

Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess in the marinade.
Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor.
A grill pan can give beautiful grill marks.
Adjust garlic sauce consistency with cold water if needed.
Feel free to customize toppings as desired.
For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic

This dish shines when served with:

Warm pita bread or flatbreads.
A side of homemade Chicken Shawarma with Garlic dip.
Fresh salads or grilled veggies.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Shawarma with Garlic

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Shawarma with Garlic

What is Chicken Shawarma with Garlic?

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic is a popular Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken, seasoned with spices and served with a rich garlic sauce. It’s known for its bold flavors and is often wrapped in pita bread. Learn more about Shawarma.

Can I make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time. In fact, letting it marinate overnight enhances the flavor, making it even more delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Shawarma with Garlic?

Ensure the chicken is marinated properly and do not overcrowd the pan during cooking. This allows for even browning and prevents steaming.

Variations of Chicken Shawarma with Garlic You Can Try

Here are some tasty twists:

Substitute chicken thighs with shrimp for a lighter option.
Add more spices for a Spicy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic version.
Incorporate different toppings, such as avocado or feta cheese, for a unique flavor.
Try making a Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for a creamy alternative.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes as a side dish!