Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Name: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 cloves, minced garlic; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pita bread or flatbread, for serving; Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, for serving; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 1 cup mayonnaise (for garlic sauce); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for garlic sauce); 4 cloves, minced garlic (for garlic sauce); Salt and pepper, to taste (for garlic sauce)

Jack

Update : December 11, 2025

Chicken Shawarma served with creamy garlic sauce

why make this recipe

Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that offers a burst of flavors and is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers juicy, marinated chicken paired with a creamy garlic sauce. It’s great for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, the use of fresh veggies and warm pita bread makes it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

how to make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves, minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pita bread or flatbread, for serving
Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves, minced garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, allspice, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using the oven, set it to 400°F (200°C).
Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. If using the oven, place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it thinly.
Serve the chicken on warmed pita or flatbread, topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce in warm pita or flatbread. Add fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for a crunchy texture and vibrant flavors. Top it off with a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish is perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests.

how to store Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

To store leftover Chicken Shawarma, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking or the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Be sure to store the creamy garlic sauce separately in the fridge and use it within a week.

tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Do not rush the cooking process; ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste preferences—add more garlic or a pinch of chili powder for some heat!

variation (if any)

You can easily modify this recipe by using different proteins like beef or lamb. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled veggies or marinated tofu. Additionally, you can spice it up by adding hot sauce to the creamy garlic sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be cautious not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly.

2. How spicy is Chicken Shawarma?
This recipe is not very spicy, but you can add pepper or cayenne to the marinade for extra heat if you like.

3. Can I make the garlic sauce vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo to create a vegan-friendly creamy garlic sauce.

4. What sides go well with Chicken Shawarma?
Common sides include tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple salad. Pita and a yogurt dip also pair well.

5. Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven if you don’t have an outdoor grill.