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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce 🐔🧄🍋🔥

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a dish that has traveled from the bustling street markets of the Middle East to kitchens and restaurants worldwide. Loved by millions, this flavorful and juicy marinated chicken is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, sliced thin, and wrapped in warm pita or served on a plate with all the fixings. What truly elevates it, though, is the bold, creamy garlic sauce — a tangy, rich drizzle that perfectly balances the spices of the shawarma. 🌍🔥

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The Allure of Shawarma 🥙🌶️

The word “shawarma” is derived from the Turkish word “çevirme,” meaning “turning,” referring to the rotisserie cooking method. Over the years, it’s been adapted for home cooking, with many opting to grill or pan-sear the chicken. Despite the method, the result is the same — succulent, spiced chicken bursting with flavor.

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Why Everyone Loves It ❤️

1. Flavor Explosion
   The marinade is packed with spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon — creating a deep, warm flavor.
2. Versatile Serving
   Serve it in pita wraps, on rice, or over salad. Add pickles, veggies, and sauces — endless options!
3. Garlic Sauce Goodness 🧄
   The creamy garlic sauce (also known as toum) adds zest and creaminess that cuts through the spices beautifully.
4. Meal Prep Friendly
   Marinate in advance, cook when ready — the flavors intensify over time, making leftovers even better.
5. Crowd-Pleaser
   From casual dinners to gatherings, this dish is always a hit.

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What’s Inside 📝

Chicken Marinade:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts 🐔
• Olive oil 🫒
• Lemon juice 🍋
• Garlic cloves 🧄
• Ground cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon 🌶️
• Salt, pepper 🧂

Garlic Sauce:

• Fresh garlic 🧄
• Lemon juice 🍋
• Egg whites (or yogurt) 🥚
• Oil 🫒
• Salt 🧂

Extras:

• Warm pita or flatbread 🫓
• Lemon wedges 🍋
• Chopped parsley 🌿
• Pickles, onions, tomato, lettuce 🥒🍅🥬

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How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts 🍗
• ¼ cup olive oil 🫒
• Juice of 2 lemons 🍋
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp cumin, paprika, turmeric 🌶️
• ½ tsp cinnamon, coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

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Garlic Sauce:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 1 egg white (optional for emulsifying)
• 1 cup neutral oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• Salt to taste 🧂

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Instructions:

1. Marinate Chicken
Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Make Garlic Sauce
Blend garlic and egg white. Slowly drizzle in oil while blending until thick and creamy. Add lemon juice and salt.

3. Cook Chicken
Grill, pan-fry, or bake chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred. Slice into strips.

4. Assemble
Place chicken on pita or plate. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce. Add pickles, veggies, and herbs.

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Serving Ideas 🍽️

• Shawarma Wrap: Stuff into pita with veggies and sauce 🥙
• Platter Style: Serve over rice with salad 🥗
• Low-Carb: Wrap in lettuce leaves 🥬

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Flavor Variations 🔄

• Add cayenne for heat 🌶️
• Use Greek yogurt in marinade for extra tenderness
• Try with lamb or beef for variation 🐑🐄

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Perfect Pairings 🥤

• Drinks: Mint lemonade, iced tea 🍋🥤
• Sides: Hummus, tabbouleh, fries 🍟🥗

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Final Bite 💥

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce offers bold, smoky, and creamy flavor in every bite. It’s a beloved dish for a reason — comforting, vibrant, and always satisfying. 🐔🧄🔥

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