Name: Lebanese Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Pita bread; Sliced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers; Garlic sauce (toum) for serving

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Lebanese Chicken Shawarma is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the spices and rich taste of the Middle East right to your table. With its tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and topped with creamy garlic sauce, this shawarma is sure to become a favorite. Traditionally enjoyed as street food, it’s easy to recreate at home with just a few ingredients. The combination of yogurt, olive oil, and spices in the marinade ensures that the chicken is juicy and full of flavor, while the garlic sauce adds the perfect creamy kick to every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, prepping for a gathering, or simply craving a delicious wrap, Lebanese Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce makes for an incredibly satisfying meal. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, but the classic pairing of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers makes it an irresistible choice. Serve it in warm pita bread for an authentic touch, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Middle Eastern delicacy in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lebanese Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is incredibly flavorful, thanks to the vibrant spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric. The yogurt-based marinade tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with a mouthwatering flavor that is perfectly complemented by the rich, garlicky sauce. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also offers a balanced combination of protein and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors and enjoy making a meal that’s both satisfying and customizable. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Plain yogurt
Olive oil
Garlic
Ground cumin
Ground paprika
Ground turmeric
Salt and pepper
Pita bread
Sliced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers
Garlic sauce (toum)

Variations

Vegetarian Shawarma: Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Shawarma: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for some heat.
Garlic Sauce Substitute: If you can’t find garlic sauce (toum), you can use a mix of Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a similar creamy, garlicky flavor.
Wrap Options: While pita bread is traditional, you can also use flatbreads, lavash, or tortillas for wrapping the shawarma.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well to form the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 5: Warm the Pita Bread

While the chicken is resting, warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute on each side, just enough to make it soft and pliable.

Step 6: Assemble the Shawarma

Place the sliced chicken onto the warm pita bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce (toum).

Step 7: Serve

Roll the pita bread around the filling to create a wrap, and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious, tender chicken and creamy garlic sauce in every bite.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for a longer time, such as 3-4 hours or even overnight, to ensure the spices deeply infuse the meat.
Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat allows it to get a good sear without drying out. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
Make Extra Garlic Sauce: The garlic sauce is a key element of the dish, so make extra and store it in the fridge for future use. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or fries.

How to Serve

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is traditionally served in pita bread or flatbread, making it perfect for hand-held wraps. Pair it with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the garlic sauce. You can also serve it with some crispy fries, pickles, or a tangy yogurt dip for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing

To freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the microwave until heated through. If you have extra garlic sauce, drizzle it on top before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy. If using breasts, be sure not to overcook them to keep them moist.

2. What is garlic sauce (toum)?

Garlic sauce, also known as toum, is a creamy, garlicky dip commonly served with Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma. It’s made from garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt, and has a strong garlic flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just grill it and assemble the shawarma when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this shawarma without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan, or on a stovetop with a regular frying pan. Just make sure to cook it on medium-high heat for the best results.

5. Can I use store-bought garlic sauce?

Yes, store-bought garlic sauce can be used as a substitute for homemade toum. Just make sure it’s fresh and high-quality for the best flavor.

6. What other toppings can I use for shawarma?

You can add toppings like pickles, lettuce, tahini sauce, or even grilled vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the marinade for some heat.

8. Can I serve this dish with rice?

Yes, you can serve the chicken shawarma on a bed of rice instead of in a pita wrap for a different presentation.

9. Can I use lamb or beef instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with lamb or beef, adjusting the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the meat.

10. Can I make this shawarma vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or falafel for a vegetarian version of shawarma.

Conclusion

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its tender, marinated chicken and rich garlic sauce, it brings the authentic taste of Middle Eastern street food to your home. Whether you enjoy it in a pita wrap with fresh vegetables or served alongside a light salad, this shawarma is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.