Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors and creamy, garlicky goodness, this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is simply irresistible. Tender, spiced chicken thighs roasted to juicy perfection meet the rich, tangy garlic sauce that ties every bite together. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe brings warmth, zest, and that comforting feeling of a beloved street food classic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting that authentic Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. From fragrant spices to fresh vegetables and a luscious homemade sauce, these elements marry seamlessly to deliver incredible taste and texture.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing bold spices.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices bloom when marinating and baking.
• Cumin: Earthy and warm, a cornerstone spice in shawarma seasoning.
• Paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and beautiful color.
• Turmeric: Brings subtle earthiness and a vibrant golden hue.
• Garlic powder: Enhances savory depth in the marinade.
• Cinnamon: Adds a surprising hint of warmth and complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
• Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy base for the garlic sauce with tangy richness.
• Fresh garlic: For a punchy, aromatic kick in the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and complements the spices perfectly.
• Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Pita bread: The perfect pocket to hold all your delicious fillings.
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions: Fresh, crisp vegetables that lighten and balance the dish.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready when the chicken goes in. This high heat will help the chicken cook evenly and develop just the right amount of caramelization while staying juicy inside.

Step 2: Mix Your Spice Blend

Combine olive oil with cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This spice blend is the heart and soul of your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, bringing complex layers of flavor that are bright, warm, and slightly exotic.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thighs

Toss the chicken thighs in the spice mixture until each piece is fully coated. The marinade ensures every bite is packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned, infusing the meat with those irresistible shawarma spices.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish and place them in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, releasing fragrant aromas that will have you eager to serve.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken roasts, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced fresh garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. This luscious sauce is what elevates the Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe from tasty to unforgettable, offering a creamy zing that complements the spices perfectly.

Step 6: Slice the Rested Chicken

Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. Then slice it thinly into strips, the ideal size for rolling into pita bread and for those flavors to meld in every bite.

Step 7: Warm the Pita Bread

Pop the pita bread into the oven to warm it up slightly. A warm pita is soft, pliable, and ready to wrap your fillings snugly without cracking.

Step 8: Assemble Your Shawarma

Place some sliced chicken on each piece of warm pita bread, layering it carefully so you get a good balance of meat and sauce in every mouthful.

Step 9: Add Fresh Vegetables

Top the chicken with crisp slices of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. These fresh veggies add a refreshing crunch, brightening the flavors and creating fantastic texture contrasts.

Step 10: Drizzle with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the toppings. This final touch is the signature flavor that makes this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe so special and unforgettable.

Step 11: Wrap and Enjoy!

Fold or roll the pita to encase all the delicious fillings. Now it’s time to dive in and savor every bite of your homemade, flavor-packed chicken shawarma creation.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top can brighten the sandwich even more, giving it an herby kick that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce. A sprinkle of sumac or a squirt of extra lemon juice also adds a lovely, tangy pop to balance the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

Serve your shawarma with classic accompaniments like crunchy tabbouleh or a simple cucumber salad for freshness. Crispy fries or roasted potatoes seasoned with za’atar make fantastic sides as well, perfect for scooping up extra garlic sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn the Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe into a bowl by layering the sliced chicken, veggies, and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It’s a hearty, less handheld option that’s equally satisfying and visually inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover sliced chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents textures from getting soggy and keeps the flavors fresh for the next meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs before slicing if you want to save them for later. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or slicing.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or in the oven to avoid drying out, then warm the pita separately. Drizzle with fresh creamy garlic sauce to brighten the flavors again just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used but keep in mind they are leaner, so watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying out. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, which is why they’re preferred in this recipe.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or a thick regular yogurt will work as well. Just make sure it’s not too runny so your sauce stays creamy and perfect for drizzling.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has a mild warmth from the spices but is not overly spicy. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or some chili flakes to the marinade if you want to kick up the heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy garlic sauce actually tastes even better after resting for a few hours because the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

Warming pita in the oven wrapped in foil helps keep it soft and pliable. Alternatively, a quick toast on the stovetop or a few seconds in the microwave works in a pinch, but avoid overheating as it may dry out.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. It combines simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredible flavors to bring a little magic to your home cooking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for that perfect mix of spice, creaminess, and comfort.

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