An easy yet delightful take on street food, Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is perfect for any occasion. This dish captures the essence of Turkish cuisine and transforms it into a simple grilled recipe that everyone can enjoy. The blend of spices creates a flavorful experience, while the creamy garlic yogurt sauce adds a refreshing touch. Serve it over couscous, rice pilaf, or in a pita for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The shawarma spices infuse the chicken with rich flavors, making each bite irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with couscous, rice, or pita – customize it to your preference!
- Health-Conscious Choice: This dish is packed with protein and lower in calories compared to traditional shawarma.
- Easy Cleanup: Using a Ziploc bag for marinating means less mess and hassle in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having the proper equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process and perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Ziploc bag
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Provides high heat for those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Ziploc bag: Ideal for marinating chicken evenly without any spills.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing marinades without making a mess.
Ingredients
An easy, grilled chicken version of the classic Turkish street food which is usually cooked on a rotating spit. It is perfect served over couscous with yogurt and cucumbers as I did here, or try it with rice pilaf, or on a pita.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound 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)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 7-ounce container 2% Greek yogurt (I like Fage)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag. Pound each breast to an even thickness of about ½-inch. Ensure you don’t puncture the bag and then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice. Whisk until combined. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; whisk again until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the marinade into the Ziploc bag containing the chicken. Massage it to coat evenly. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl (or right in the yogurt container), combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until well combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on one side until they no longer stick to the grill. Flip them over and grill an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Allow resting 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. 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 versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer a light meal or a hearty feast, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Over Couscous
- Couscous is a perfect base for the chicken. Its fluffy texture absorbs the garlic yogurt sauce beautifully, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
In a Pita
- Stuff the grilled chicken into warm pita bread along with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a satisfying wrap.
With Rice Pilaf
- Serve the chicken alongside aromatic rice pilaf. The spices in the rice complement the shawarma flavor perfectly, making each bite a treat.
On a Salad
- Slice the grilled chicken on top of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with extra garlic yogurt sauce for a refreshing salad option.
As Skewers
- Cut the chicken into cubes and thread them onto skewers. Grill until charred for an exciting finger food option at your next gathering.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful and nutritious dish that balances well with the flavors of shawarma spices.
How to Perfect Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Achieving the perfect Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will become. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices deliver more vibrant flavors. Ensure your cumin, paprika, and other spices are not stale.
- Pound Evenly: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling lets juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and juicy.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and enhances presentation—don’t skip this step!
Best Side Dishes for Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
To create a well-rounded meal around your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly.
- Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing salad made from parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip served with pita chips or fresh veggies makes for an excellent appetizer or side.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled until tender add a smoky flavor that pairs well with shawarma spices.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide comfort alongside your flavorful chicken.
- Baba Ganoush: A smoky eggplant dip that offers a unique taste contrast to grilled meats—serve it as a dip or spread on bread.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles bring brightness to your plate while balancing out rich flavors of shawarma spices.
- Fattoush Salad: A crunchy salad featuring crispy pita chips and seasonal vegetables adds texture and zest to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A healthy alternative to rice pilaf; quinoa provides protein while soaking up all those delicious flavors from sauces and spices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish.
- Skipping the marinade time – Allowing the chicken to marinate is crucial for flavor. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for deep taste.
- Not pounding the chicken evenly – If the chicken is uneven in thickness, it may cook unevenly. Always pound each breast to a uniform ½-inch thickness.
- Ignoring resting time – Resting the chicken after grilling is essential. It allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Overcooking on the grill – Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Grill just until it no longer sticks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Underestimating garlic in the sauce – The right amount of garlic elevates the yogurt sauce. Don’t skimp; use fresh minced garlic as directed for optimal flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and safety.
Freezing Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or freezer bags.
- Label with date; use within 2-3 months for quality.
Reheating Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C), place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce spicy?
You can increase spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or using a hotter variety of paprika. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Can I use other meats in this recipe?
Yes! While this recipe features chicken, you can substitute with lamb or beef for different flavors and textures that still work well with shawarma spices.
What sides go well with Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with couscous, rice pilaf, or even a fresh salad. Pita bread and yogurt sauce are also great accompaniments.
Can I prepare the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce up to a day before serving. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Is Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and uses Greek yogurt as a healthy sauce base. It’s low in carbs and rich in flavor.
Final Thoughts
Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for dinner or lunch, it adapts well to various sides like couscous or rice pilaf. Feel free to customize spices or add veggies based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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 captures the vibrant flavors of Turkish street food. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe features tender grilled chicken marinated in aromatic shawarma spices, complemented by a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Serve it over fluffy couscous, in warm pita bread, or alongside fragrant rice pilaf for a satisfying meal. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also ensures a healthier alternative to traditional shawarma, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers.
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil and lemon juice; whisk in garlic and spices until combined.
- Pour marinade over chicken in the bag and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- For the sauce, combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat; grill chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain. Serve with garlic yogurt sauce and chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 140g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg