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Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce Perfect for Beginners

Chicken Shawarma Recipe - featured image

A beginner-friendly chicken shawarma recipe packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and complemented by a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
  • Optional: rice or salad for a heartier meal

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  6. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps: Warm pita bread or flatbread, then layer with sliced chicken, garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables.

Notes

[‘Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.’, ‘Use chicken thighs for juicier results.’, ‘Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.’, ‘Adjust garlic sauce to taste by adding more garlic.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Mediterranean Recipe, Easy Dinner, Beginner-Friendly