Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast ((buy cutlets to skip a step)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced); 3 tablespoons fat free chicken stock; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 0.25 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; to taste ground pepper; 2/3 cup nonfat, plain Greek yogurt; 2 cloves garlic (grated); 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3-4 tablespoons almond milk or skim milk (to reach desired consistency); 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; pita; tomatoes; cucumber; parsley; iceberg lettuce

Introduction to Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Why Chicken Shawarma?

Imagine flavors that tell stories. Chicken Shawarma is not just a dish; it’s an experience! This flavorful Middle Eastern delight combines marinated, grilled chicken with spices that’ll have your taste buds dancing. What makes Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce special? The marriage of succulent chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. You’ll find that this dish not only brings warmth to your table but also doubles as a fantastic, healthy option for weeknight dinners.

A Quick Dive into Middle Eastern Cuisine

Middle Eastern cuisine is truly a treasure trove of flavors, aromas, and traditions. From fragrant spices like cumin and coriander to fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers, it offers a culinary adventure. Shawarma itself has roots in Levantine Arab culture, reflecting a rich history of trade and migration. Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce typically features layers of seasoned meat, often served with pita and fresh veggies—a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vitamins. If you’re eager to explore more recipes, consider checking out renowned sites like Serious Eats or BBC Good Food for fantastic Middle Eastern dishes. Embrace the journey, and let this dish guide you into the heart of a vibrant culinary world!

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Creating your own Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce at home means diving into an explosion of flavors! Here's what you'll need to get started.

Chicken Marinade Ingredients

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast – For best results, buy cutlets to simplify your prep.
2 tablespoons of olive oil – This helps keep the chicken juicy and adds flavor.
1 lemon, zested and juiced – A perfect balance of acidity that brightens the dish.
3 tablespoons of fat-free chicken stock – Adds a depth of flavor to your marinade.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
Spices: 2 teaspoons each of cumin and smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ground pepper to taste.

Garlic Sauce Ingredients

⅔ cup of nonfat, plain Greek yogurt – This is the creamy base of your sauce, adding a tangy kick.
2 garlic cloves, grated – More garlic for a delicious punch!
1 teaspoon of olive oil – Just a touch to bring it all together.
2 tablespoons of lemon juice – Brighten up that flavor!
3-4 tablespoons of almond or skim milk – Adjust to achieve your desired consistency.
½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper – For seasoning perfection.

Optional Serving Ingredients

To make your meal feel complete, consider adding these optional toppings:

Pita bread
Fresh tomatoes and cucumber
Chopped parsley
Iceberg lettuce

These components can elevate your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, turning a simple dish into a satisfying feast!

For more shawarma tips and ideas, you might want to check out The Spruce Eats for additional inspiration.

Preparing Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Everyone loves a good Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, right? This quick and flavorful recipe will have you feeling like you’re in a bustling Lebanese market. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that impresses without taking up your entire evening!

Marinate the Chicken

The first step is crucial: marinating the chicken! This isn’t just about flavor; it's about tenderness and juicy goodness. Start with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast. If you want to make things even easier, you can buy them as cutlets. In a large bowl, combine:

2 tablespoons of olive oil
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
3 tablespoons of fat-free chicken stock
3 minced garlic cloves
2 teaspoons each of cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
Ground pepper to taste

Mix everything well, add your chicken, and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours if you prefer an even deeper flavor). You can learn more about the benefits of marinating from culinary experts here.

Whip Up the Garlic Sauce

While your chicken marinate works its magic, let's get to the star of the show: the garlic sauce! In a small bowl, mix together:

⅔ cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 grated garlic cloves
1 teaspoon of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
3-4 tablespoons of almond or skim milk for the desired consistency
½ teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate it for at least an hour. The garlic flavor will intensify, enhancing your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce.

Cook the Chicken: Grill/Skillet or Air Fryer

Now it’s time to cook! Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Choose your cooking method:

Grill or Skillet: Preheat to medium-high. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 370°F. Cook for about 5 minutes, flip, and continue for another 4-5 minutes.

Regardless of the method, allow the chicken to rest under tin foil for about 5 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute, making for perfectly tender bites.

Let it Rest Before Serving

After cooking, patience is key! Letting the chicken rest is a game-changer. It seals in those delicious flavors. Trust us; this step is not to be skipped!

Assemble Your Delicious Meal

Finally, it's assembly time! Slice the chicken and serve it with warm pita bread, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and crisp iceberg lettuce. What's your favorite side? Feel free to get creative!

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, and don’t forget to drizzle that garlic sauce generously! This meal is an exciting way to bring some Middle Eastern flair to your dinner table effortlessly. Happy cooking!

Variations on Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Vegetarian Shawarma Substitute

For a delicious twist on the classic Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, consider using chickpeas or cauliflower. Both make fantastic vegetarian substitutes that soak up flavors beautifully. Simply marinate them in the same blend of spices and grill or roast until tender. This not only caters to plant-based diets, but it's also a great way to add variety to your meals.

Flavor Twists with Spices

Feeling adventurous? Modify your marinade by introducing spices like sumac or turmeric to give your shawarma a unique flair. A hint of cardamom or chili powder can also elevate the dish with unexpected warmth. Don’t hesitate to tailor the Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce to your taste preferences—experimenting in the kitchen can be both fun and rewarding! Remember, cooking is all about discovering what you love. For a comprehensive spice guide, check out this expert resource.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Preparing the Chicken Perfectly

To achieve juicy and flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, marinate the chicken for at least two hours, but if you can, opt for a full 24 hours! This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing the taste. Always pat the chicken dry before cooking—this ensures a beautiful sear. If you like a little char, consider grilling or using an air fryer, as both methods yield delicious results while keeping the chicken tender.

Creating the Best Garlic Sauce

The secret to a heavenly garlic sauce lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. For maximum flavor, grate your garlic rather than chop it, releasing more oils. Adjust the consistency with almond or skim milk to your liking—thicker for a dip, thinner for drizzling! Letting the sauce chill for at least an hour lets the flavors blend seamlessly. Check out this guide on making garlic sauce for even more tips!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Classic Accompaniments

Elevate your Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce by serving it alongside classic Middle Eastern sides. Consider light, fluffy pita bread, zesty tabbouleh, or a fresh fattoush salad. Slices of ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and crisp iceberg lettuce add a refreshing crunch. Sprinkle on some fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor!

Creative Serving Ideas

For a modern twist, try wrapping your Chicken Shawarma in a lettuce leaf for a low-carb option or stuffing it into a whole-wheat pita for extra fiber. You could even create a delicious shawarma bowl by layering the chicken over fragrant basmati rice, topped with garlic sauce and a drizzle of tahini. Don’t forget to explore this guide for more ideas on how to enjoy this delectable dish!

Time Breakdown for Chicken Shawarma

Preparation Time

To begin your delicious journey with this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, you’ll want to set aside about 2 hours for preparation. This includes marinating the chicken to ensure it’s full of flavor. A longer marinating time, up to 24 hours, is recommended for the best taste, but 2 hours will still do wonders.

Cooking Time

Once you're ready to cook, the cooking time is a quick 15 minutes. Whether you're grilling, air frying, or using a skillet, the chicken cooks swiftly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and fulfilling.

Total Time

Adding it all up, your total time comes to 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes both the prep and cooking stages. It’s a small investment for a meal that will wow your taste buds and impress your friends or family. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!

Pro Tip: For additional flavor, consider making a batch of the garlic sauce ahead of time and letting it sit longer than an hour in the fridge. The flavors will deepen beautifully.

For more tips on preparing chicken dishes, visit Serious Eats for expert insights.

Nutritional Facts for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a fantastic choice! Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional profile:

Calories

One serving of this flavorful dish contains 277 calories, making it a great option for a satisfying meal without overloading on calories.

Protein

Packed with 40 grams of protein per serving, this recipe is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Other Key Nutrients

Besides being protein-rich, chicken shawarma provides healthy fats (about 7 grams) and fiber (2 grams) to support digestion. The garlic sauce adds beneficial probiotics from Greek yogurt, boosting gut health. For more detailed insights on nutrition, consider visiting Healthline for comprehensive dietary guidance.

FAQs about Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, feel free to experiment with other proteins such as turkey or beef. Just adjust the cooking times according to the type of meat you choose. For example, beef needs a little more time to cook fully, while turkey might require less. You can also try marinating tofu or tempeh for a delightful vegetarian option.

How long can I store the marinade?
The chicken marinade can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to use it within 24 hours. Just make sure to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients can settle.

What else can I add to my shawarma?
Get creative! Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce pairs beautifully with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley. Consider adding pickles or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra flavor kick. You can also customize your shawarma with various sauces—like tahini or hummus—for an added twist. For other ideas, explore this blog that dives deeper into shawarma variations!

Conclusion on Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

In summary, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a delightful, flavor-packed dish that brings the taste of Lebanon to your kitchen. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Upgrade your dining experience with this incredible recipe that's sure to impress family and friends!