If you’ve ever wished for a dish that brings the warm, fragrant flavors of the Middle East right to your own kitchen, then you are in for a treat with this Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. It’s an absolute flavor bomb, blending a vibrant medley of spices that gently caress tender grilled chicken, paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce that adds the ideal cooling contrast. Whether you’re craving a delicious weeknight dinner or want to impress friends at your next barbecue, this recipe is easy to whip up and delivers a memorable, mouthwatering experience every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is all about simplicity and bold flavors working together. You don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients; just a handful of pantry staples and fresh items that bring out the dish’s signature taste, texture, and color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the spices beautifully and grills evenly when pounded to an even thickness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade cling to the chicken, infusing it with richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with zesty acidity and tenderizes the chicken for juicy results.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Deliver pungent heat and depth both in the marinade and the yogurt sauce.
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, it’s a cornerstone spice in shawarma seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness and vibrant red hue.
- Turmeric: Adds a beautiful golden color and mild earthy undertones.
- Curry powder: A blend of spices that rounds out the shawarma flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: A whisper of sweet warmth to balance the savory spices.
- Red pepper flakes: Provide just the right kick to keep things interesting.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2% Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, it’s the perfect base for the cooling garlic yogurt sauce.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh herbaceous finish for garnish and brightness.
How to Make Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This simple step is a game changer because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly, preventing some parts from drying out while others stay underdone. Set the chicken aside once they’re even and ready for flavor.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, the juice of a lemon, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until it forms a beautifully fragrant and colorful marinade that captures the essence of shawarma spices.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the spiced marinade, making sure every surface is kissed with those incredible flavors. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. This rest time allows the spices to penetrate deeply, transforming the chicken into a flavor powerhouse.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix together the Greek yogurt, finely minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. This sauce is the perfect contrast — cooling, creamy, and with a bright garlicky punch that is impossible to resist. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping once. The chicken should have beautiful grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Grilling over direct heat locks in juiciness and adds a slight char that gives this dish its authentic vibe.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once grilled, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so every bite is tender and moist. Then slice the chicken and generously drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor.
How to Serve Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The final touches make all the difference. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a gorgeous green contrast but also lifts the rich shawarma spices with its clean, herbaceous flavor. If you love extra zing, a wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a fresh squeeze to brighten the plate even more.
Side Dishes
This Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe pairs brilliantly with simple sides. Think warm pita bread to scoop up juicy chicken and sauce, fluffy couscous or rice for soaking in every bit of flavor, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad that offers refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables or grilled flatbreads also complement it wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this dish into a shawarma wrap by folding the grilled chicken and garlic yogurt sauce inside flatbread along with pickled veggies and herbs. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of tabbouleh or vibrant roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty bowl. No matter how you plate it, the vibrant spices and creamy sauce always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce separate to maintain its freshness and prevent it from thinning out or becoming watery.
Freezing
If you want to save some chicken for later, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly or placed in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and always keep the sauce fresh from the fridge when serving.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or wrapped in foil in a low oven to maintain juiciness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken dry. Add extra garlic yogurt sauce after reheating to refresh the creamy contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra depth to the dish, though they may need a little more time on the grill to cook thoroughly. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and enjoy the richer flavor.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While an hour is the minimum, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge. The flavors intensify over time, but be cautious not to marinate too long or the lemon juice might slightly change the texture.
Is the garlic yogurt sauce spicy?
No, the garlic yogurt sauce is creamy and tangy with a fresh garlic punch, but it’s not spicy. It cools down the warmth from the spices in the chicken perfectly.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake it in the oven. Just aim for medium-high heat to achieve some char and cook evenly.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like pita bread, couscous, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables. Fresh salads or pickled vegetables also round out the meal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors yet straightforward to make, this Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s versatile, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of Middle Eastern spices and lemon, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. This vibrant dish delivers bold flavors with a fresh, tangy finish, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 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 of red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 7-ounce container 2% Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and set aside.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Mix the Greek yogurt with finely minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and fresh parsley. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes total, turning once, until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve topped with the garlic yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor, up to 4 hours.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve with warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
