Few dishes capture the heart of Middle Eastern street food like Chicken Shawarma—tender, spiced chicken cooked to perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky sauce that completes every bite. Shawarma has a long-standing reputation as a crowd-pleaser because it’s customizable, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Whether tucked into warm pita, layered over rice, or served atop a fresh salad, it offers a balance of spices and textures that make every meal exciting.
This homemade version is designed to bring restaurant-quality shawarma right into your kitchen. The marinade is loaded with warm spices and citrus to infuse the chicken with rich flavor, while the garlic sauce adds the signature tangy creaminess that shawarma lovers crave. With minimal prep and versatile serving options, this dish fits beautifully into family dinners, weekly meal prep, or gatherings where bold flavors shine.
Recipe Overview
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe features a spice-filled marinade for juicy chicken thighs and a smooth, tangy yogurt-based garlic sauce. The process is straightforward: marinate, cook, slice, and serve. It’s perfect for wraps, rice bowls, or light salads, offering endless customization.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
Combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, coriander, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix until it forms a fragrant, well-blended marinade.
Tip: For bolder flavor, increase the marinating time to several hours or overnight.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
Tip: If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will boost the flavor noticeably.
3. Cook the Chicken
Use one of these methods depending on what equipment you have:
- Grill: Preheat and cook until charred and cooked through.
- Skillet: Heat over medium-high and sear both sides.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Flip the chicken once during cooking to ensure even browning.
4. Rest and Slice
Let the cooked chicken rest briefly before slicing it into thin strips. Resting keeps the juices intact for tender results.
5. Make the Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tip: For a stronger flavor, prepare the sauce ahead of time so the garlic can intensify.
6. Serve
Use the sliced chicken in pita sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, or salads. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Meat Options
- Substitute chicken breast for a leaner version.
- Try turkey, lamb, or beef for different flavor profiles.
2. Add-on Flavors
- Add smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky finish.
- Mix in fresh chili or chili paste for heat.
3. Serving Variations
- Spread hummus or tahini inside pita for extra creaminess.
- Add pickled turnips, cucumbers, or shredded cabbage for texture.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Cooking Alternatives
- Use an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes for quick, crisp results.
- Cook on a sheet pan with sliced onions for added flavor.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze sliced chicken for up to 3 months.
- Keep garlic sauce refrigerated for 3–4 days.
Reheating
- Warm chicken gently in a skillet to preserve texture.
- Avoid microwaving with sauce; add the sauce after heating.
Serving Ideas
- Shawarma bowls with rice, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley
- Shawarma wraps with pickles and lettuce
- Low-carb option: serve over chopped salad
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe brings together aromatic spices, juicy chicken, and a creamy garlic sauce to create a versatile, satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or building a flavorful spread for guests, this dish adapts easily and delivers bold results. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a great addition to your cooking rotation, offering endless combination possibilities.
FAQs
1. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes. Overnight marinating enhances flavor significantly.
2. Can I use store-bought garlic sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce offers fresher flavor and better consistency.
3. What type of yogurt works best?
Plain Greek yogurt because it’s thick and tangy.
4. Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Definitely—425°F works well for a nicely browned finish.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise for the sauce.
Make flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce at home with a bold spice marinade and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads!
