Welcome to the tantalizing world of Middle Eastern cuisine. This recipe gives you a delectable taste of the classic Middle Eastern street food, Shawarma, right in your kitchen. Shawarma-spiced grilled chicken is packed full with a unique blend of spices, and is paired excellently with a smooth garlic yogurt sauce, creating an irresistible combination of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
The Shawarma spice blend is a distinct mix of everyday spices you can find in most supermarkets. However, if you're unfamiliar with turmeric, it's a bright yellow spice often found in curry powders and mustards, known for its mild, earthy flavor. Similarly, smoked paprika, another key ingredient, provides a sweet smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish. Make sure to pick Greek yogurt over regular yogurt for the sauce, as it's thicker and creamier.
Ingredients for Shawarma-spiced Grilled Chicken and Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Chicken breasts: This is the lean meat from the upper part of the chicken's side. It's a great source of low-fat protein.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A flavorful oil that's perfect for marinades.
Lemon: Adds a zesty tang to the chicken and sauce.
Garlic: Gives a savory depth to both the marinade and the sauce.
Cumin: An earthy spice that is integral to Middle Eastern cooking.
Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky flavor to the chicken.
Turmeric: Gives the chicken a lovely golden color and subtle flavor.
Curry powder: Adds a hint of exotic flavor and warmth to the dish.
Cinnamon: A sweet spice that adds a contrasting flavor to the savory marinade.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the chicken.
Kosher salt: Helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a spicy depth of flavor.
Greek yogurt: Used to make the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
Parsley: A vibrant green herb used for garnishing.
One reader, Fitzgerald Schultz says:
The shawarma-spiced grilled chicken with garlic yogurt sauce recipe was a game-changer for my dinner routine. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the chicken turned out juicy and flavorful. The garlic yogurt sauce added a creamy and tangy element that complemented the dish beautifully. It's now a family favorite!
Techniques Required for Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
How to marinate the chicken: Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour the marinade into a ziplock bag with the chicken, massaging it to evenly coat. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
How to make the garlic yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to grill the chicken: Over medium-high heat, grill the marinated chicken for 3 minutes or until it no longer sticks to the grill. Turn the chicken and grill for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly across the grain.
How to serve: Top each grilled chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the garlic yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve immediately.
How To Make Grilled Chicken Shawarma
This well-seasoned and perfectly grilled chicken served with a delicious homemade garlic yogurt sauce is our take on the classic Turkish street food.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 1lbchicken breasts,(2 pieces) boneless, skinless, cut in half lengthwise
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 1medium lemon,juiced
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspcumin
- 1tspsmoked paprika
- ¼tspturmeric
- ¼tspcurry powder
- ⅛tspcinnamon
- pinchred pepper flakes
- 1tspkosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper,to taste
For Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 7oz2% Greek yogurt,(1 container) such as Fage
- 2tsplemon juice
- 2clovesgarlic,finely minced
- 1/8tspkosher salt
- parsley,chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts, 1 at a time, in a Ziploc bag. Pound each breast to an even thickness, about ½-inch thick, being careful not to puncture the bag.
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Place pounded chicken breasts back into the bag and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil and lemon juice. Whisk until combined.
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Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper, salt, and black pepper, and whisk again.
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Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken, massaging it to evenly coat. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
-
In a small bowl (or right in the container), combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
-
Over medium-high heat, grill the chicken for 3 minutes or until it no longer sticks to the grill. Turn the chicken and grill for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly across the grain.
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Top each breast with 2 tablespoons of sauce and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 279.34kcal
- Fat: 15.17g
- Saturated Fat: 4.27g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.68g
- Carbohydrates: 6.04g
- Fiber: 1.11g
- Sugar: 2.55g
- Protein: 29.34g
- Cholesterol: 75.06mg
- Sodium: 444.49mg
- Calcium: 86.19mg
- Potassium: 333.56mg
- Iron: 1.79mg
- Vitamin A: 50.03µg
- Vitamin C: 12.42mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Grilling Shawarma-Spiced Chicken
When grilling chicken, it's important to ensure that your grill is properly preheated and cleaned. A hot grill will help to sear the chicken quickly, locking in the juices and creating a nice, flavorful crust. Cleaning the grill grates before each use will prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing, which could result in uneven cooking and loss of those delicious marinade flavors. Additionally, allowing the chicken to rest after grilling will help redistribute the juices throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the cooking process quicker.
Use a meat mallet: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly and reduce grilling time.
Grill in batches: If you're cooking for a large group, grill the chicken in batches to ensure each piece is cooked perfectly without overcrowding the grill.
Invest in a grill pan: If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, invest in a grill pan for stovetop cooking. It's a convenient alternative and reduces cooking time.
Prep the sauce in advance: Make the garlic yogurt sauce a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld, saving time on the day of serving.
Substitute Ingredients For Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, providing a similar texture and taste when grilled.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in high-heat cooking methods like grilling.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon to provide a similar citrusy brightness to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, adding a unique twist to the dish.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a warm and citrusy flavor to the grilled chicken.
smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke: Regular paprika combined with a small amount of liquid smoke can replicate the smoky flavor of smoked paprika.
turmeric - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for turmeric, providing a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for curry powder, offering a complex blend of warm and aromatic spices.
cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can provide a similar warm and sweet flavor to the dish, replacing the hint of cinnamon.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used to add heat and spice to the grilled chicken, similar to red pepper flakes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
2% Greek yogurt - Substitute with full-fat plain yogurt: Full-fat plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for 2% Greek yogurt, offering a creamy and tangy base for the garlic yogurt sauce.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the garlic yogurt sauce.
Presenting Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Elevate the plating: Arrange the grilled chicken slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other for an elegant presentation. This will create a visually appealing and sophisticated look.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and a drizzle of vibrant paprika for a visually stunning presentation.
Create a harmonious balance: Pair the shawarma-spiced grilled chicken with a dollop of the creamy garlic yogurt sauce on the side, using a small offset spatula to create a smooth and elegant swoosh on the plate.
Add a touch of sophistication: Place a delicate lemon wedge on the plate to add a touch of brightness and sophistication to the dish, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for a delightful crunch and an added layer of complexity to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to shine, creating a visually striking and refined presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Ziploc bag: A plastic bag with a secure seal, used for marinating and pounding chicken to an even thickness.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for mixing and blending ingredients, ensuring the marinade is well combined.
- Grill: An outdoor cooking appliance used to cook the marinated chicken, imparting a smoky flavor.
- Small bowl: A container for combining the ingredients of the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Tongs: Used for flipping the chicken on the grill and removing it once cooked.
- Knife: Essential for slicing the grilled chicken thinly across the grain before serving.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the grilled chicken.
- Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure and add the spices for the marinade and garlic yogurt sauce.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices to create the marinade for the chicken.
- Garlic press: An efficient tool for mincing garlic, used to prepare the garlic for the marinade and yogurt sauce.
- Grater: Used to zest the lemon, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the marinade.
- Plates: Used for serving the grilled chicken with garlic yogurt sauce.
Storing and Freezing Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- To store leftover shawarma-spiced grilled chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled chicken:
- Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen grilled chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Reheat the thawed chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Note: The yogurt sauce should not be frozen, as it may separate and lose its texture upon thawing. It is best to make a fresh batch of sauce when serving the reheated chicken.
How To Reheat Leftover Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shawarma-spiced grilled chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Loosely cover the chicken with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Remove the foil cover for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to help crisp up the exterior.
For a quicker option, reheat the shawarma-spiced grilled chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have a bit more time, consider reheating the shawarma-spiced grilled chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy.
For the garlic yogurt sauce, simply give it a good stir and serve it cold or at room temperature alongside the reheated chicken. If the sauce has thickened up in the refrigerator, you can thin it out with a little lemon juice or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
If you want to get creative, slice the reheated shawarma-spiced grilled chicken and serve it over a bed of fresh greens, topped with the garlic yogurt sauce and some diced tomatoes and cucumbers for a satisfying salad. Alternatively, stuff the sliced chicken into warm pita bread with the sauce and some fresh vegetables for a delicious sandwich.
Interesting Fact About Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken
Shawarma-spiced grilled chicken is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is typically made with marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. This cooking method allows the meat to be tender and flavorful, with a crispy exterior.
Is Making Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This shawarma-spiced grilled chicken with garlic yogurt sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken breasts, olive oil, and Greek yogurt, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of lemon and garlic enhances the flavors without adding significant cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The dish offers a delightful blend of spices and a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce, making it a satisfying and economical choice for a family meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Healthy?
The shawarma-spiced grilled chicken with garlic yogurt sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to its lean protein source and the use of Greek yogurt in the sauce. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, which offer various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. The recipe also uses minimal oil, which helps keep the overall fat content low.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to further reduce the fat content of the dish
- Include more vegetables as a side dish or incorporate them into the marinade to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole-grain pita bread or lettuce wraps instead of regular pita bread to increase the fiber content and reduce simple carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the marinade and sauce, or replace it with other flavorful herbs and spices to lower the sodium content
By making these small adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish without compromising its delicious taste. The shawarma-spiced grilled chicken with garlic yogurt sauce can be a tasty and healthy addition to your meal plan, providing a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and flavorful spices.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Shawarma-Spiced Chicken Dish
The shawarma-spiced grilled chicken with garlic yogurt sauce recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a harmonious blend of spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy element, complementing the spices perfectly. The grilling process enhances the smoky and charred notes, elevating the dish to a new level. This recipe is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful experience with its blend of spices and marinade. The use of fresh lemon juice and garlic ensures vibrant and robust flavors. The grilled chicken is tender and juicy, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy element. The combination of cumin, paprika, and other spices creates an aromatic and well-balanced dish. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe for a delightful culinary journey.
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