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Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Irresistible Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe You Need to Try

Learn how to make delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh herbs and quality spices. I always reach for fresh garlic and lemon juice because they brighten the flavors beautifully. Using skinless, boneless chicken thighs is my favorite choice—they stay juicy and tender after marinating and cooking. If you can find sumac or smoked paprika, those add a wonderful depth, but don’t worry if you don’t—they’re optional.

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • For the creamy garlic sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can swap mayonnaise for extra yogurt. For a dairy-free version, try a coconut yogurt alternative and vegan mayo. This recipe is flexible and forgiving, which is perfect when you’re juggling family life like I am.

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. This marinade is the magic that brings the chicken to life.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This step makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness.
  3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill it in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, shaking off excess marinade. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
  6. Serve the sliced chicken drizzled generously with creamy garlic sauce. I love pairing it with warm pita bread and fresh veggies to make a quick and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce, recipe, cooking, food