Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a delightful twist on traditional Turkish street food. This easy-to-make recipe bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home. The combination of spices brings a unique taste to the grilled chicken, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy touch that elevates the dish. Serve it over couscous, rice pilaf, or in pita for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of spices creates an irresistible aroma and taste that will impress your guests.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish marinating while you go about your day.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with couscous, rice pilaf, or in a pita for a delightful meal any time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt, this dish fits well into various dietary plans.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the savory flavors and juicy texture of the chicken.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziploc bags
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides even heat for perfect grilling results that lock in flavors.
• Ziploc bags: Ideal for marinating chicken; they keep the marinade contained and make cleanup easy.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing your marinade ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ensures all marinade ingredients blend seamlessly for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For this Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 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

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, in a Ziploc bag. Pound each breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch thick. Be careful not to puncture the bag. After pounding, place the chicken back into the bag.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined. Add minced garlic along with cumin, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk again until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade into the Ziploc bag with the chicken. Seal it tightly and massage gently to ensure that every piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl (or right in its container), mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill each chicken breast for about 3 minutes or until it no longer sticks to the grill surface. Flip over and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.

Step 6: Serve

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

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

Serving Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides, making it suitable for any occasion.

On a Bed of Couscous

• Couscous provides a fluffy base that complements the flavors of the chicken and garlic yogurt sauce beautifully.

In a Pita Pocket

• Stuff the grilled chicken into warm pita bread along with fresh veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a tasty handheld meal.

With Rice Pilaf

• Serve alongside fragrant rice pilaf, which adds an aromatic touch to the meal and balances the spices of the chicken.

Topped on a Salad

• Slice the grilled chicken over a fresh salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a light and refreshing option.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables to add color and nutrition to your plate while enhancing its Mediterranean flair.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Include the chicken as one component in a mezze platter, complete with hummus, olives, and flatbreads for sharing among friends.

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

To ensure your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips for great results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance flavor. Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice for best results.

• Marinate overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows all those shawarma spices to penetrate the meat fully.

• Pound evenly: Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly, preventing dryness in some areas.

• Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. A hot grill creates nice grill marks and seals in juices.

• Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute for better flavor and moisture.

• Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on garnishing with parsley or extra garlic yogurt sauce; it adds freshness and visual appeal to your dish.

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

To complement your Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, consider pairing it with one or more of these delicious side dishes.

1. Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing herb-based salad made from parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon juice that contrasts nicely with the spiced chicken.

2. Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip that serves as an excellent spread or side; great for dipping pita bread alongside your meal.

3. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled to perfection add a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.

4. Fattoush Salad: A vibrant salad combining mixed greens, radishes, crispy pita chips, and sumac dressing; it’s tangy and crunchy!

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until tender bring sweetness that balances the spices in the chicken nicely.

6. Cucumber Yogurt Salad: A cool cucumber salad drizzled with yogurt complements the richness of the garlic yogurt sauce in your main dish.

7. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with vegetables offers a nutritious alternative to traditional rice sides while absorbing flavors beautifully.

8. Olive Tapenade: An olive-based spread adds briny depth to each bite when served alongside your grilled chicken—perfect on toasted bread!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Many rush the marinating process, but allowing the chicken to soak up flavors for at least an hour or overnight makes a significant difference in taste.
• Not Pounding the Chicken Evenly: Failing to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure each piece is about ½-inch thick for consistent results.
• Ignoring Grill Temperature: If the grill isn’t hot enough, the chicken may stick and not get that perfect char. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Keeping chicken on the grill too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internally.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using old or stale spices can dull the flavor of your dish. Always opt for fresh spices and ingredients for vibrant flavor.
• Forgetting About Resting Time: Cutting into grilled chicken right away can cause juices to run out, making it dry. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• 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. Place chicken on a baking sheet covered with foil and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. Add sliced chicken and cover until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken?

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken is a flavorful grilled dish inspired by traditional shawarma, using spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric for an aromatic experience.

How do I make Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use as a delicious dip or sauce.

Can I customize the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences or add new ones like coriander or cardamom for extra depth.

How do I serve Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken?

This dish pairs well with couscous, rice pilaf, or stuffed into pita bread alongside fresh vegetables and sauces.

Final Thoughts

Shawarma-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether served over grains or wrapped in pita, its rich flavors can easily be customized. Try different toppings or sides to make it your own!