– **Title**: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Chicken Shawarma**:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 2 tsp ground coriander
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Creamy Garlic Sauce**:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **To Serve**:
– Pita bread or flatbreads
– Fresh vegetables (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber)
– Pickles (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for maximum flavor).
2. **Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce**: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can also bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
4. **Slice the Chicken**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
5. **Assemble the Shawarma**: On pita bread or flatbreads, layer sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Add pickles if desired.
6. **Serve**: Roll up the pita bread and secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve immediately with extra creamy garlic sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this dish as they stay juicy and tender when cooked. If you prefer, chicken breasts can be used, but they might be a bit drier. You could also try marinating tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option!
Spices: The spice blend is what makes shawarma special! If you don’t have cumin or coriander, you can substitute with taco seasoning or curry powder for a different twist. Fresh spices make a big difference in flavor, so try to use fresh if possible!
Garlic: This recipe calls for lots of garlic, which brings great flavor. If garlic isn’t your thing, you can reduce the amount. Or, you can swap it for garlic powder, using about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, perfect for the garlic sauce. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Both will add a nice creaminess without the dairy!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for juicy, flavorful shawarma. The longer you marinate it, the better it gets! Here’s a simple way to ensure great flavor:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated. Don’t be shy, rub it in!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight works wonders for full flavor.
Remember to keep the chicken at a cool temperature while marinating and take it out about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature for even cooking. Happy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Shawarma takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 1 hour to marinate. Cooking it will take around 15-20 minutes. Overall, you should allocate about 1 hour and 35 minutes before you can enjoy your meal, especially if you’re letting the chicken marinate overnight for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by taking a large bowl and mixing together the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of spice), minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Once it’s all combined, add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for an even richer flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill or skillet. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and has nice, slightly charred areas. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps keep the chicken juicy!
3. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is resting, let’s make the creamy garlic sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as you prefer. Place it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
4. Slice the Chicken:
Once your chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your serving preference. This way, it’ll be easy to enjoy!
5. Serve:
In a large serving bowl or plate, arrange your sliced chicken shawarma. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce on top, and don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch!
6. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Chicken Shawarma immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with pita bread, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad. Dig in and enjoy your homemade feast!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that they may dry out quicker, so be sure not to overcook them. You can also marinate them just like the thighs to keep them juicy!
What Can I Substitute for Yogurt in the Creamy Garlic Sauce?
If you’re looking for a yogurt substitute, sour cream works great! You can also use a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer a vegan option. Just adjust the salt and lemon juice to taste as flavors may vary slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat, while the creamy garlic sauce can be served cold or at room temperature for best flavor.
