Garlic Herb Shawarma Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of garlic, lemon, and Middle Eastern spices, grilled and served with a creamy garlic sauce that's perfect for dipping. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 135 minutes pairs chicken breast, garlic, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes), 6 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1.5 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 4 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: For the sauce, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sauce in a bowl alongside the skewers.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Herb Shawarma Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (120 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic Herb Shawarma Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Herb Shawarma Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic Herb Shawarma Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic Herb Shawarma Chicken Skewers?

Middle Eastern grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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