Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Turkish street food right to your kitchen. This recipe offers a juicy grilled chicken marinated in aromatic spices, perfectly paired with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal. Serve it over couscous, rice pilaf, or in pita bread for a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The shawarma spices infuse the chicken with rich, savory notes that will impress your taste buds.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with couscous, rice pilaf, or in pita bread, making it suitable for any meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh herbs, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ziploc bag
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Grill or grill pan
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Ziploc bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly without making a mess.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly to create the marinade.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect cooking environment to achieve those beautiful grill marks while keeping the chicken moist.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 pound 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– Juice from 1 medium lemon
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon turmeric
– ¼ teaspoon curry powder
– 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
– Pinch red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 7-ounce container 2% Greek yogurt (I like Fage)
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1/8 tsp kosher salt
– Chopped parsley, for garnish

How to Make Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, in a Ziploc bag.
2. Pound each breast to an even thickness of about ½-inch thick. Be careful not to puncture the bag.
3. Once pounded, place the chicken breasts back into the bag and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice. Whisk until combined.
2. Add in the garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, and both types of salt along with freshly ground black pepper. Whisk again until well mixed.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Pour the marinade into the bag containing the chicken.
2. Massage the bag gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
3. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1. In a small bowl (or directly in its container), combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, additional lemon juice, and salt.
2. Stir until well combined and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Grill each piece of chicken for about 3 minutes or until they release easily from the grill grates.
3. Flip each piece and grill an additional 3–4 minutes until fully cooked through.
4. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.

Step 6: Serve

Top each sliced breast with about 2 tablespoons of garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken!

How to Serve Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it on a plate or wrapped up, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Over Couscous

• Light and fluffy couscous pairs wonderfully with the chicken. Top it with the yogurt sauce and some fresh cucumbers for a refreshing meal.

In a Pita

• For a quick and easy lunch, stuff the sliced chicken into pita bread. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and extra garlic yogurt sauce for an authentic experience.

With Rice Pilaf

• Serve the grilled chicken alongside rice pilaf for a hearty dinner option. The spices in the rice complement the shawarma flavors beautifully.

On a Salad

• Slice the chicken and place it on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce for a healthy and satisfying salad.

As Tacos

• Use tortillas instead of pita to create shawarma-inspired tacos. Add toppings like avocado, cilantro, and onion for a fun twist.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair your chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. This adds color and nutrition to your meal while enhancing its flavors.

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How to Perfect Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Achieving perfectly grilled chicken takes some finesse. Here are some tips to help you master this dish.

• Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 1 hour but overnight is best.
• Use High Heat: Grilling over medium-high heat ensures that your chicken gets those beautiful grill marks while cooking through evenly.
• Pound Evenly: Make sure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents dryness.
• Let It Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
• Slice Against the Grain: For tender slices, always cut against the grain of the meat. This technique makes each bite easier to chew.

Best Side Dishes for Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Complementing your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with delicious side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Tabbouleh: A fresh parsley salad mixed with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon juice that adds brightness to your plate.
2. Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip served with pita chips is perfect for scooping up leftover garlic yogurt sauce.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes provide a crispy texture that balances well with tender chicken.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil gives a lovely charred flavor that complements Mediterranean dishes.
5. Fattoush Salad: A vibrant salad made with mixed greens, radishes, and crispy pita chips tossed in a zesty dressing.
6. Couscous Salad: A cold couscous salad mixed with vegetables and herbs adds flavor without overpowering the main dish.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles can add crunch and acidity that enhances the overall taste of your meal.
8. Mediterranean Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa mixed with olives, feta cheese, and herbs creates a nutritious side that pairs well with grilled meats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating chicken is essential for flavor, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome of your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce.

• Skipping the marinade time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour can result in bland flavors. For best results, marinate overnight if possible.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Always monitor the cooking time and check for doneness to keep it juicy.
• Not pounding the chicken evenly: Uneven thickness can cause parts of the chicken to cook differently. Pound each breast to about ½-inch thick for consistent cooking.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can let juices escape. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Using low-quality yogurt: The garlic yogurt sauce is vital for this dish. Choose a high-quality Greek yogurt for creaminess and better flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the chicken with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce.

What is Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken?

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken is marinated chicken breast grilled with Middle Eastern spices, topped with garlic yogurt sauce.

Can I use skin-on chicken?

You can use skin-on chicken; however, boneless skinless breasts work best for even cooking and flavor absorption.

What can I serve with Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken?

This dish pairs well with couscous, rice pilaf, or stuffed in pita bread with fresh vegetables.

How can I customize the garlic yogurt sauce?

Feel free to add herbs like dill or mint to enhance the flavor of your garlic yogurt sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for dinner or lunch. You can easily customize it by serving it over various grains or adding different toppings. Try this delightful recipe today!