If you’ve ever been to Zankou Chicken, you know their famous garlic sauce is the real show-stealer. I mean, their rotisserie chicken is amazing, but that creamy, tangy garlic spread is what keeps me coming back for more!
It’s so simple, yet packed with flavor, and it’s something I couldn’t resist learning to make at home. So today, I’m sharing the Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce Recipe with you.
This recipe will take your meals to the next level, whether you’re serving it with chicken, pita, or even veggies.
Let’s get into why this sauce is a must-make, and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen without any special tools or ingredients.
Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce Recipe brings the bold and tangy flavors of Lebanese garlic paste right into your home.
Made with simple ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and a surprise addition—russet potato—it’s the perfect creamy garlic spread. You’ll be surprised how versatile and addicting this sauce can be!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Course: Side dish / Sauce
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 2 cups
- Calories Per Serving: 100 kcal
Ingredients
To make this Zankou Garlic Sauce, you don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 small russet potato, boiled and mashed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup vegetable oil (canola or sunflower works great)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Garlic And Potato
Start by peeling your garlic cloves and boiling the potato until it’s soft enough to mash. The potato gives the sauce its creamy texture and balances the strong garlic flavor. Mash the boiled potato until smooth, and set it aside.
Step 2: Blend The Garlic And Salt
Put the garlic cloves and kosher salt in a food processor. Pulse until the garlic becomes a smooth paste. This step helps release all the intense garlic flavors.
Step 3: Add The Potato And Lemon Juice
Next, combine the garlic paste with the mashed potato and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend until everything is well combined. The lemon juice not only adds tang but also helps cut through the raw garlic’s sharpness.
Step 4: Slowly Add The Oil
Now, while the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil. Don’t rush this step—adding the oil gradually is key to creating that perfect creamy texture. Keep blending until the mixture turns into a fluffy, thick garlic sauce.
Step 5: Taste And Adjust
Taste your garlic sauce and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed. If you like it creamier, you can add a bit more mashed potato.
And that’s it! Your homemade Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce is ready to go. It’s perfect with roasted chicken, kebabs, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
Tips And Variations
- Make It Vegan-Friendly: This sauce is already vegan, but if you want a different twist, try adding a pinch of cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
- Potato Substitute: If you’re not into using potatoes, you can swap it out for bread soaked in water. This will still give you that thick, fluffy texture without the starch from the potato.
- Make It Ahead: This garlic sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. In fact, the flavors develop even more as it sits!
Serving Suggestions
This Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here’s what I love to serve it with:
- Rotisserie Chicken: This sauce was made to be eaten with juicy, roasted chicken. Slather it on and enjoy!
- Pita Bread: A dollop of this garlic spread in warm pita bread with some veggies is heaven.
- Grilled veggies: Roasted or grilled vegetables come to life with a bit of this sauce on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Chicken With Garlic Sauce Made Of?
The classic garlic sauce from Zankou Chicken is made with garlic, lemon juice, salt, oil, and a starchy base like potato or bread. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of garlicky goodness!
Does Zankou Chicken Use Butter?
Nope! Zankou Chicken’s garlic sauce is completely dairy-free, relying on garlic and oil for its creamy texture.
What Is Armenian Garlic Sauce Made Of?
The Armenian version of garlic sauce, like the one served at Zankou, uses simple ingredients: garlic, lemon juice, and oil. Some recipes include a starchy ingredient like potato or bread to give it a fluffy consistency.
Is Zankou Chicken Armenian Or Lebanese?
Zankou Chicken is a family-owned business with roots in both Armenian and Lebanese cuisine. Their famous garlic sauce is a staple of Middle Eastern food culture.
Why Is Garlic Sauce Pink?
Garlic sauce can sometimes turn pink when the garlic is crushed and exposed to lemon juice or acidic ingredients. It’s totally safe to eat and just a natural reaction between the garlic and acid.
Conclusion
I can’t wait for you to try this Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce Recipe! It’s incredibly easy to make and brings that restaurant-quality flavor right to your home. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with everything from chicken to veggies to pita bread.
Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! I’d love to hear your tips and see your creations.
Happy cooking!
Homemade Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce Recipe – Quick & Tasty!
Ingredients
- 6 large garlic cloves peeled
- 1 small russet potato boiled and mashed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup vegetable oil canola or sunflower works great
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Garlic And Potato
- Start by peeling your garlic cloves and boiling the potato until it’s soft enough to mash. The potato gives the sauce its creamy texture and balances the strong garlic flavor. Mash the boiled potato until smooth, and set it aside.
Step 2: Blend The Garlic And Salt
- Put the garlic cloves and kosher salt in a food processor. Pulse until the garlic becomes a smooth paste. This step helps release all the intense garlic flavors.
Step 3: Add The Potato And Lemon Juice
- Next, combine the garlic paste with the mashed potato and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend until everything is well combined. The lemon juice not only adds tang but also helps cut through the raw garlic’s sharpness.
Step 4: Slowly Add The Oil
- Now, while the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil. Don’t rush this step—adding the oil gradually is key to creating that perfect creamy texture. Keep blending until the mixture turns into a fluffy, thick garlic sauce.
Step 5: Taste And Adjust
- Taste your garlic sauce and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed. If you like it creamier, you can add a bit more mashed potato.
- And that’s it! Your homemade Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce is ready to go. It’s perfect with roasted chicken, kebabs, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
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