The rich flavors of the Middle East come alive in this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe. Marinated in a blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served with fresh vegetables wrapped in soft pita bread. A dollop of the homemade garlic sauce brings everything together, creating a savory and irresistible wrap you’ll want to make again and again.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The marinade is easy to throw together, and the creamy garlic sauce adds a deliciously tangy punch that balances the warmth of the spices. You can customize the toppings to your taste, think pickled turnips, cucumbers, or hot sauce for an extra kick. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cooking or a shawarma aficionado, this dish is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
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2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
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1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 tablespoon ground paprika
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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5 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt to taste
For Serving:
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Pita bread or flatbreads
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Sliced tomatoes
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Sliced red onions
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Shredded lettuce
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Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, spices, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
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Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
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Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
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In a small bowl, mix together the garlic sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Warm the pita or flatbreads, then layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and chicken. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired.
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Serve warm, wrapped or open-faced.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marination Time: 2 hours | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A Flavor-Packed Middle Eastern Classic You Can Make at Home
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, juicy Chicken Shawarma wrap, especially when it’s smothered in creamy garlic sauce and bursting with bold spices and fresh toppings. Chicken Shawarma is one of the most beloved street foods across the Middle East, and for good reason. It’s rich in flavor, satisfying in texture, and highly customizable to suit your taste buds. Best of all, with the right ingredients and preparation, it’s easy to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
This dish has gained international acclaim and become a staple in many fusion cuisines, combining tradition with modern interpretations. From food trucks in New York to bistros in London and cafes in Manila, shawarma has transcended borders and become a favorite comfort food. But the real magic happens when you make it at home, where you can adjust the spice level, create your own sauce variations, and play with fresh, colorful toppings that elevate every bite.
The Origins of Shawarma
Shawarma has roots tracing back to the Ottoman Empire, where vertical rotisserie cooking first began. The technique of roasting meat on a rotating spit was eventually adopted and adapted across the Middle East. The word “shawarma” itself comes from the Turkish word “çevirme,” which means “turning.” While traditionally made with lamb or beef, chicken has become one of the most popular variations due to its tenderness and the way it absorbs marinades.
In modern kitchens, most home cooks don’t have access to a vertical spit. Instead, the chicken is marinated and either grilled, roasted, or pan-seared to mimic the charred edges and tender interior characteristic of shawarma. When paired with pita bread, pickled vegetables, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and, most importantly, a luscious garlic sauce, you have a wrap that’s bursting with flavor.
The Importance of the Marinade
The heart of a great shawarma is the marinade. A well-balanced marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with layers of flavor. Traditional shawarma marinades include a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, garlic, and lemon juice. Yogurt is often added to create a creamy base that helps the spices penetrate the meat while keeping it moist during cooking.
When making shawarma at home, it’s ideal to marinate the chicken for at least two hours, but overnight marination yields the best results. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes.
Creamy Garlic Sauce – The Essential Pairing
If the spice-marinated chicken is the star of the show, then the garlic sauce is the award-winning supporting actor. This sauce, known as “toum” in many parts of the Levant, is bold, creamy, and packed with garlicky goodness. Traditional toum is made with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt, emulsified until fluffy and white. However, a simplified version made with mayonnaise and yogurt can still offer a rich, tangy flavor without the need for special equipment.
This garlic sauce does more than just complement the spices, it adds moisture, creaminess, and a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the meat. It also acts as a binder when assembling wraps, holding together the fillings and enhancing every bite.
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Shawarma
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Use Thighs, Not Breasts: Chicken thighs are fattier and more flavorful than breasts, making them ideal for shawarma. They remain juicy during cooking and don’t dry out as easily.
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Char Is Your Friend: Whether you use a grill pan, skillet, or oven broiler, allow the chicken to develop some caramelization and char for that signature shawarma texture and taste.
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Slice Thinly: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips. This makes it easier to assemble wraps and ensures each bite includes a little bit of everything.
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Toppings Matter: Classic shawarma toppings include shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, pickled turnips, and parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of sumac for tang or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
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Warm the Bread: Lightly toasting or warming the pita or flatbread helps it stay pliable and enhances the overall flavor of the wrap.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best things about Chicken Shawarma is how versatile it is. While wraps are the most common presentation, you can also serve the chicken over rice, in salads, or even as a pizza topping.
Meal Prep Favorite: Shawarma chicken holds up well in the fridge for up to four days, making it a great meal-prep protein. Pair it with quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a healthy lunch.
Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb meal, skip the pita and serve the chicken on a bed of greens with extra garlic sauce.
Family-Friendly Dinner: Set up a shawarma bar with various toppings so everyone can build their own wraps. This is a great way to make dinner interactive and fun.
Pairing Suggestions
To make a complete meal, consider serving Chicken Shawarma with:
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Tabbouleh or fattoush for a refreshing salad
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Hummus or baba ghanoush as a dip
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Roasted potatoes or fries for a hearty side
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Mint tea or lemonade as a beverage pairing
If you’re serving this dish for guests, try garnishing with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and even a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes for visual and flavor appeal.
Nutritional Highlights
Chicken Shawarma can be part of a balanced diet, especially when made at home with fresh ingredients. The use of Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh herbs keeps it lighter than many take-out options. The spices not only enhance flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. When served with vegetables and whole grain pita, it becomes a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bold, Authentic Flavors: The spice blend is aromatic, earthy, and perfectly balanced.
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Simple Ingredients: Most of the components are pantry staples.
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Great for Meal Prep: The marinated chicken is even better the next day.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or weeknight meals.
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Customizable: Swap in different proteins or sauces depending on your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce isn’t just a dish, it’s a culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East straight to your kitchen. The layers of spice-marinated chicken, the refreshing crunch of vegetables, and the bold creaminess of the garlic sauce come together in harmony, offering a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, entertaining guests, or simply craving something flavorful and comforting, this homemade Chicken Shawarma delivers. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to rival your favorite takeout spot. Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen and a go-to favorite for everyone at the table.