Craving authentic shawarma at home? Ditch the takeout menus! This Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s fast, unbelievably flavorful, and surprisingly healthy. I’ve tweaked a family recipe to make it even easier for busy lives. Prepare to create a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. Get ready to meet your new favorite condiment Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe, your meals were never so good!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my aunt always made the BEST shawarma. The secret wasn’t just the spiced chicken, but her legendary garlic sauce. It was creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive. I spent years trying to recreate it, tweaking it until I achieved perfection. This recipe is my tribute to her, bringing her delicious touch to your kitchen. It’s simpler than you think, and I promise the results will transport you straight to her bustling kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Sauce (Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe):
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water (more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Pita bread
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickled turnips or cucumbers
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. If you want it a little more charred, you can broil it in the oven right after cooking it in a pan, make sure to keep an eye on it!.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, make the garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt until smooth. Add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce (Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe) on the pita. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cooked chicken shawarma, and pickled turnips or cucumbers (if using).
Serve and Enjoy: Fold the pita in half or roll it up, and serve immediately. Enjoy every irresistible bite!
Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, Salt and black pepper, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. If you want it a little more charred, you can broil it in the oven right after cooking it in a pan, make sure to keep an eye on it!.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, make the garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt until smooth. Add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.1 cup mayonnaise, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp water, 1/4 tsp salt
- Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce (Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe) on the pita. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cooked chicken shawarma, and pickled turnips or cucumbers (if using).pita bread, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, Pickled turnips or cucumbers
- Serve and Enjoy: Fold the pita in half or roll it up, and serve immediately. Enjoy every irresistible bite!