Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Chicken Shawarma is a perfect blend of spices and marinated meat, bringing Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen. This recipe features tender chicken thighs, marinated to perfection and paired with a creamy garlic sauce. It's a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Why This Chicken Shawarma Recipe Works
This Chicken Shawarma recipe utilizes marination to allow the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken. The mix of yogurt and lemon juice not only imparts taste but also helps in tenderizing the meat. Grilling ensures a perfect char that enhances the overall flavor.
The combination of spices used in this recipe provides a warm, aromatic flavor profile that is balanced with the creamy garlic sauce. This sauce adds a rich and tangy contrast to the spiced chicken, making every bite a delightful experience. Together, they create a dish that's satisfying and memorable.
💡 Professional Tip
For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to develop fully, ensuring a more delicious shawarma. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just make sure to cook it fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
You can use sour cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt if you're looking for a non-dairy option. These substitutes will still provide creaminess to the marinade.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just ensure it's well-sealed in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
You'll need a mixing bowl for marinating, a grill or skillet for cooking, and a sharp knife for slicing the chicken. Optional: a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Serve the chicken shawarma with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and hummus for a complete meal. You can also pair it with rice or a salad.
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of cumin and paprika. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can increase the heat if desired.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.
Recipe Troubleshooting Guide
Too Dry
Problem: This can happen if the chicken is overcooked or not marinated long enough.
Solution: To fix this, ensure you cook the chicken to the right temperature and let it marinate for at least an hour for moisture retention.
Uneven Cooking
Problem: Uneven cooking may occur if the chicken pieces are not uniform in size.
Solution: Slice the chicken into uniform pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
Lacking Flavor
Problem: If the shawarma lacks flavor, it may be due to insufficient marination time.
Prevention: Marinate the chicken longer next time, and consider adding more spices to the mixture for intensity.
Wrong Texture
Problem: Chicken can become rubbery if it's cooked too quickly at a high temperature.
Recovery: Cook the chicken on medium heat and ensure it's not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
Overcooked
Problem: Overcooked chicken can dry out and lose its juiciness.
Prevention: Keep an eye on cooking time, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking in the future.
Flavor Balance
Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, balance it with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Too Salty: For overly salty shawarma, serve with a side of yogurt to help balance the flavors.
Bland: To fix blandness, add more spices during marination or top with fresh herbs before serving.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Selecting high-quality chicken is crucial for this recipe. Look for fresh, boneless thighs which have more flavor and moisture than breasts. Additionally, using organic yogurt and fresh spices enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Ensure your garlic is fresh for the best flavor in the sauce. The spices should be aromatic and not stale for an impactful flavor profile. Quality ingredients lead to a superior chicken shawarma experience.
Essential Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for skinless boneless thighs for juiciness and flavor. They cook better and yield tender results compared to chicken breasts.
- Plain Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang. It helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the marinade.
- Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor that is essential in both the marinade and sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic for optimal taste.
Cooking Technique Tips
Marinating the chicken is key to achieving maximum flavor. The acidity in the yogurt and lemon juice breaks down the meat fibers, making it tender and flavorful. Make sure to coat the chicken well and allow it to marinate adequately.
Grilling the chicken on medium-high heat helps develop a nice char while keeping the inside moist. Let the chicken rest after grilling before slicing to retain its juices. This technique will guarantee a juicy and flavorful shawarma.
Chef's Secret Technique
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika to the marinade. This will give the chicken a subtle smokiness that mimics traditional shawarma grilling methods. Also, slicing the chicken against the grain ensures tenderness in each bite.
Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
📋 Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt💡 Use Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic💡 Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs💡 Thighs provide more flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil💡 Helps with marination.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Step 3: Preheat Grill
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. This will ensure a nice sear on the chicken.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Prepare Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and salt to taste in a bowl.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread or over rice, drizzled with garlic sauce. Garnish with chopped vegetables and herbs.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving again for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Chicken Shawarma with a fresh salad, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables. Hummus and pita bread make great accompaniments as well.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as beef or lamb. You can also add your favorite toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or tahini sauce.