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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Tender spiced chicken with a creamy garlic sauce that comes together in 45 minutes. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into thin strips
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise for sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced fine, for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice for sauce
  • 1 tablespoon water for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for sauce

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken: Mix all spices in a small bowl. In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and spice mix. Let sit 10-30 minutes.
  2. Make the garlic sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, salt, and white pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place large skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until bottom is caramelized.
  5. Finish cooking: Flip chicken and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Serve chicken in pita bread or over rice with vegetables. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts but both work.
  • Store cooked chicken for 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Garlic sauce keeps for 1 week refrigerated.
  • Can freeze marinated raw chicken for 3 months.