Irresistible Chicken Shawarma Garlic (Printer-Friendly)

Flavorful chicken marinated with aromatic spices, paired with a smooth garlic sauce for wraps or bowls.

# What You'll Need:

→ Marinade

01 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Chicken

11 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

→ Garlic Sauce

12 - 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - Pinch of salt

→ For Serving

16 - Pita bread or flatbreads
17 - Sliced cucumbers
18 - Sliced tomatoes
19 - Sliced red onion
20 - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor development.
03 - Preheat a grill or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and place on the heated grill or skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust seasonings to personal preference.
07 - Arrange sliced chicken in pita bread or on a serving plate, generously drizzle with garlic sauce, and top with fresh vegetables and herbs.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Authentic Flavor: A blend of cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon creates a deep, aromatic profile.
  • Quick & Easy: Simple enough for a weeknight dinner with minimal hands-on time.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free or lighter dietary preferences.
  • Juicy Results: Using chicken thighs ensures a tender, moist bite every time.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time; 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
  • If using a grill, ensure the grates are well-oiled to prevent the marinade from sticking.
  • Freshly minced garlic provides a much bolder flavor than pre-minced versions from a jar.
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