Viral Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Viral Dinner Fast

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Ultimate Viral Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Remarkably flavorful spiced chicken strips seared to perfection and paired with a bold, creamy homemade garlic sauce.

★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 (342 reviews)

Prep Time30 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Total Time60 Mins

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Shawarma:
• – 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
• – 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• – 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• – 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
• – 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• – 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• – 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• – 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• – Salt and black pepper to taste
• – Substitutions: Marinated mushrooms or tofu; Greek yogurt instead of olive oil
• For the Garlic Sauce:
• – 1 cup of mayonnaise
• – 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• – 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• – Salt to taste
• – Substitutions: Greek yogurt or silken tofu instead of mayonnaise

Instructions

1. 1
   Marinate the Protein: In a spacious bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a cohesive marinade, then submerge your chicken strips into the mixture, ensuring full coverage. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or leave it enclosed in the refrigerator overnight to build deeper flavor layers.
2. 2
   Heat Pan or Grill: Set your grill surface or a reliable non-stick cooking skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few drops of oil to coat the surface to prevent sticking and encourage a beautiful brown crust.
3. 3
   Cook the Protein: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces across the hot pan or grill. Let them sear for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, turning once, until they turn golden-brown and are fully cooked through to an internal core temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. 4
   Blend Garlic Sauce: While cooking proceeds, take a small mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a light pinch of salt. Sample the mixture and adjust as preferred, throwing in extra garlic if you want a bolder punch.
5. 5
   Carve and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and let it rest undisturbed for a few moments. Slice into bite-sized strips and serve tucked into warm pita pockets or laid out flat on a plate, drizzling the rich garlic condiment heavily over the top along with fresh salad greens, pickled turnips, or sliced veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Ultimate Viral Chicken Shawarma Recipe faster than traditional methods? Traditional shawarma relies on slow-roasting large cones of layered meat for hours. By slicing the chicken into thin strips before marinating and pan-searing or grilling them directly, this recipe cuts the cooking cycle down dramatically while locking in the signature charred flavor in just 30 minutes!

Should I use chicken breasts or chicken thighs for the best result? While both cut types work perfectly, chicken thighs are highly recommended for optimal results. Thigh meat naturally contains slightly more fat, which keeps the meat incredibly succulent, tender, and forgiving under intense pan-searing heat compared to chicken breasts.

How can I lighten up the heavy mayonnaise base in the homemade garlic sauce? You can easily swap out the mayonnaise for equal amounts of plain Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu. This modification lowers the overall fat content while providing a wonderfully tangy, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.