Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce is a culinary delight that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world. Originating from the Middle East, this sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the marinated, spiced chicken that is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The rich, creamy texture of the garlic sauce complements the savory flavors of the shawarma, creating a harmonious balance that keeps people coming back for more.
What I love most about Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce is its versatility; it can elevate not just shawarma, but also wraps, salads, and even grilled vegetables. The robust garlic flavor, combined with a hint of tanginess, makes it a favorite among those who appreciate bold tastes. Plus, its incredibly easy to whip up at home, allowing you to enjoy this delicious sauce anytime you crave it. Join me as we explore the simple steps to create your own Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce that will surely impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Garlic Sauce
Making the garlic sauce is a straightforward process, and I love how it elevates the flavor of chicken shawarma. Heres how I do it:
- Gather your ingredients: Start by measuring out all the ingredients listed above. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Prepare the garlic: Take your fresh garlic cloves and peel them. I usually use a garlic press for this, but you can also finely mince them with a knife. The finer the garlic, the more intense the flavor will be in the sauce.
- Mix the base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise. This will be the creamy base of your sauce. I prefer using a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- Add the garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the mayonnaise. Stir well to combine. The garlic will infuse the mayonnaise with its flavor, creating a deliciously creamy sauce.
- Incorporate the acidity: Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the apple cider vinegar. These ingredients will add a tangy brightness to the sauce, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Season the sauce: Now, sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat). Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. I often find that a little extra salt or lemon juice can make a big difference.
- Chill the sauce: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial as it enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Cooking the Chicken Shawarma
While the garlic sauce is chilling, its time to prepare the chicken shawarma. Heres how I make it:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. I like to massage the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight for the best results.
- Preheat the grill or oven: If youre using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If youre using an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Both methods work well, but grilling gives a nice charred flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Once the grill or oven is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade. If grilling, place the chicken thighs directly on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches
Conclusion:
In summary, this Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary game. The combination of tender, spiced chicken and the creamy, garlicky sauce creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it in a warm pita, over a fresh salad, or alongside a platter of roasted vegetables, this dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can add pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch, or even swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables or falafel for a delicious vegetarian option. The garlic sauce can also be used as a dip for fresh veggies or as a spread on sandwiches, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. I encourage you to give this Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this amazing dish together! PrintChicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavorful Dishes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This delicious Chicken Shawarma is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, served with a creamy garlic sauce that elevates the dish. Perfect for a flavorful dinner or gathering!
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Garlic sauce
- Fresh parsley
- Grilled vegetables or tofu (for vegetarian option)
- Spices for marinade
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 165°F (75°C).
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- After resting, slice the chicken into strips.
- Serve the sliced chicken shawarma with the garlic sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu marinated in the same spices.
- This garlic sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes