If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that combines crispy textures and vibrant tastes, look no further than this Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce. This dish elevates the humble fries into an indulgent feast that highlights Middle Eastern flavors through juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy garlic sauce. The beautiful layering of ingredients not only makes it appealing to the eye but also delivers a flavor explosion with each bite. Plus, this recipe is incredibly simple to pull together, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. Who knew that fries could become a star of the show?
The appeal of Chicken Shawarma Fries lies in the combination of crispy oven-baked fries, tender chicken that’s bursting with flavor, and a blend of fresh vegetables that add a delightful crunch and bright flavor notes. The garlic sauce ties everything together, providing a creamy and zesty complement to the savory components. Whether you’re serving it as a casual meal or as a unique dish at a gathering, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable dish that is both fun to eat and satisfying to make!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Fries
- Flavorful Experience: The blend of marinated chicken, sumac onions, and creamy garlic sauce results in a symphony of flavors.
- Customizable: Feel free to add any of your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
- Colorful & Nourishing: Packed with fresh veggies, this dish is not only delicious but also adds nutritional value to your meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure everything goes smoothly, start by gathering all your ingredients and tools before cooking. Preheat your oven to 425°F, so it’s hot when you’re ready to bake the fries. Make sure you have a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper for the fries and a mixing bowl for marinating the chicken. A skillet for sautéing the onions and another for cooking the chicken is necessary to keep the flavors distinct. Lastly, you’ll need a blender or food processor to whip up the creamy garlic sauce. Having everything prepped in advance will make the cooking process much more enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 1 bag crinkle cut fries (or your favorite oven fries)
- 1 tomato, deseeded and diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup pickled turnips or pickled red cabbage, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the onion)
- 1/2 tsp sumac (optional)
- 1/4 cup avocado or sunflower oil (for garlic sauce)
- 2 tbsp soy milk
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp honey
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp shawarma seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for marinating)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Fries
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the crinkle cut fries evenly on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes on one side before flipping them over. Refer to the package instructions for best results. The goal is to achieve a delicious golden crispiness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While the fries are baking, turn your attention to marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and shawarma seasoning. Ensure all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10–15 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days enhances the flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
To make the smooth garlic sauce, blend together the avocado or sunflower oil, soy milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, and salt in a blender or food processor. Whizz until the mixture is creamy and smooth. For ease of drizzling over the fries later, you can transfer the sauce into a Ziploc bag, snip off a corner and use it as a piping bag.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked and golden brown. It’s essential to ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Step 5: Sauté the Onions
In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion, along with an optional sprinkle of sumac and salt. Sauté the onions for approximately 7–8 minutes or until they become tender and sweet in fragrance. The sumac adds a lovely tang to the onions, enhancing their flavor in this dish.
Step 6: Assemble the Fries
Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven. Layer them with the sautéed chicken pieces, cooked sumac onions, and pile on the diced tomatoes, cucumber, chopped pickled turnips or red cabbage, and fresh parsley. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. The ultimate comfort food is ready to delight your senses!
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for lamb, beef, or even a plant-based substitute like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, radishes, or any of your favorite fresh vegetables for crunch and color.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like paprika, cumin, or coriander for an added depth of flavor to the chicken marinade.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the fries are spaced apart on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on seasonal vegetables or what you have available at home.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the Chicken Shawarma Fries with a side of tahini sauce or hummus for a delicious contrast of flavors.
- Serve with a fresh salad or pita bread on the side for a complete meal experience.
Tips
- For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight for the best results.
- If you prefer crispy fries, consider air frying them instead of baking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen fries for this recipe?
Absolutely, frozen fries work perfectly! Just follow the cooking instructions on the bag while adjusting the baking time to ensure they come out crispy.
Is shawarma seasoning available in stores?
Yes, you can find shawarma seasoning in many grocery stores or online. Alternatively, you can easily make your own blend at home with cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic powder.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
For the best taste, it’s recommended to serve fresh. However, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the garlic sauce in advance to save time when cooking!
What are the best toppings for Chicken Shawarma Fries?
Some great toppings include feta cheese, olives, sliced jalapeños, or more pickled veggies based on your preferences!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a meal that combines crispy, savory, and fresh elements all in one. This recipe allows you to customize flavors and ingredients based on your own tastes and what’s available in your pantry! Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in, don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Try adding your own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. We’d love to hear how your version turns out, so please leave a comment below or share your thoughts on social media!
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Delicious Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Fries recipe combines crispy textured fries with juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 bag crinkle cut fries (or your favorite oven fries)
- 1 tomato, deseeded and diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup pickled turnips or pickled red cabbage, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the onion)
- 1/2 tsp sumac (optional)
- 1/4 cup avocado or sunflower oil (for garlic sauce)
- 2 tbsp soy milk
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp honey
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp shawarma seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for marinating)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the crinkle cut fries evenly on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes on one side before flipping them over. Refer to the package instructions for best results. The goal is to achieve a delicious golden crispiness.
- While the fries are baking, turn your attention to marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and shawarma seasoning. Ensure all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10–15 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days enhances the flavor.
- To make the smooth garlic sauce, blend together the avocado or sunflower oil, soy milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, and salt in a blender or food processor. Whizz until the mixture is creamy and smooth. For ease of drizzling over the fries later, you can transfer the sauce into a Ziploc bag, snip off a corner and use it as a piping bag.
- Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked and golden brown. It’s essential to ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion, along with an optional sprinkle of sumac and salt. Sauté the onions for approximately 7–8 minutes or until they become tender and sweet in fragrance. The sumac adds a lovely tang to the onions, enhancing their flavor in this dish.
- Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven. Layer them with the sautéed chicken pieces, cooked sumac onions, and pile on the diced tomatoes, cucumber, chopped pickled turnips or red cabbage, and fresh parsley. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. The ultimate comfort food is ready to delight your senses!
Notes
Make sure the fries are spaced apart on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g