Chicken shawarma has always held a special place in my heart. The aroma of spiced marinated chicken sizzling on the grill transports me to bustling Middle Eastern markets! If you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey, this recipe for irresistible chicken shawarma, paired with creamy garlic sauce, is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight meal after a long day or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish is bound to impress everyone around the table.

Why you’ll love this dish

What makes this chicken shawarma recipe stand out is its incredible combination of bold spices and the creamy, tangy garlic sauce that takes the flavor to another level. Not only is it a fantastic way to explore Middle Eastern cuisine from the comfort of your home, but it’s also quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and a sure hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family feast, this shawarma is versatile enough to adapt to various cravings.

“This chicken shawarma is a game-changer! The spices are perfect, and the creamy garlic sauce brings everything together beautifully. It’s now on our weekly rotation!” – A Happy Home Cook

How this recipe comes together

Creating your own chicken shawarma is easier than you might think! Here’s the process in a nutshell: you’ll marinate the chicken in a rich blend of spices and olive oil, then grill it until it’s charred to perfection. Meanwhile, you’ll whip up a creamy garlic sauce that adds a luxurious touch to every bite. Finally, serve the juicy chicken in pita or flatbreads with vibrant vegetables and tasty pickles. Ready to dive in?

What you’ll need

Gather these essential ingredients for the most flavorful chicken shawarma and creamy garlic sauce you’ve ever made:

1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of ground cumin
2 tablespoons of ground coriander
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of tahini
Salt to taste
Pita bread or flatbreads
Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
Pickles

Substitutions: If you can’t find boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts work just as well, though they may be slightly less juicy. You can also use a mix of spices that you enjoy, or play around with different yogurt-based sauces to suit your taste.

Directions to follow

In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or, even better, overnight for maximum flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips for serving.
Serve the sliced chicken on pita or flatbreads, topped with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce.

How to plate and pair

To enjoy this shawarma at its best, serve it freshly made! Arrange the sliced chicken on warm pita or flatbreads and pile on vibrant veggies like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy lettuce. Don’t forget the pickles for that added zing! For a complete meal, consider adding a side of crispy French fries or a refreshing tabbouleh salad.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To store any leftover chicken shawarma, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag; it can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro chef tips

For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This not only enhances the taste but also helps tenderize the meat.
Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an additional layer of flavor.
To save time, prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge while the chicken marinates.

Creative twists

Feel free to make this shawarma your own! Experiment with different proteins such as beef or lamb, or even make a plant-based version using marinated tofu or chickpeas. You can also try adding spices like sumac for a tangy twist or incorporating a variety of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for additional freshness.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The marination takes at least 1 hour, but for the best taste, overnight is recommended. Actual cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may be less moist. Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid dryness.
What can I serve with chicken shawarma?
Fresh vegetables, pickles, a side of fries, or a refreshing salad like tabbouleh can complement your shawarma beautifully.

With this recipe in your hands, you’re all set to create a delicious chicken shawarma experience that will undoubtedly impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking!

Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma recipe is bursting with bold spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 15

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Optional for added heat.
1/4 cup olive oil
1 to taste salt and pepper
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 to taste salt

For Serving

to taste Pita bread or flatbreads
to taste Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
to taste Pickles

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or, for maximum flavor, overnight.

Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
Grill the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Serve

Serve the sliced chicken on pita or flatbreads, topped with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Experiment with different proteins or yogurt-based sauces. Consider adding smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Keyword Chicken Shawarma, easy dinner, Garlic Sauce, Grilled Chicken, spicy chicken