Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe brings Middle Eastern street food flavors right to your kitchen — tender, spiced chicken marinated in warm aromatics, grilled or roasted to perfection, and paired with a bold, garlicky sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Wrapped in pita or served over rice, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, this shawarma delivers that authentic restaurant-style taste in a simple, approachable way.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma
🔥 Bold & Authentic Flavor: Packed with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
🥙 Creamy Garlic Sauce: Tangy, smooth, and perfectly balanced — the ultimate pairing.
🕒 Easy & Versatile: Grill, roast, or pan-sear — all methods work beautifully.
🍋 Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for bowls, wraps, or salads throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp coriander
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 2–3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1–2 tsp water (to thin, if needed)

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

Step 2 – Cook the Chicken:
Grill or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.

Step 3 – Make the Garlic Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with a bit of water if desired.

Step 4 – Assemble & Serve:
Serve chicken in pita wraps with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. Or enjoy over rice with roasted veggies and extra sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best Shawarma

🌶️ Marinate overnight for deeper flavor and juicier chicken.
🍗 Use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness.
🥣 Balance the garlic sauce: Add a pinch of sugar if it’s too sharp.
🔥 Crispy finish: After roasting, sear slices in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes.

Serving Ideas

• Wrap in pita with lettuce, tomato, and pickles
• Serve over rice or quinoa for a shawarma bowl
• Add to salads with garlic dressing
• Pair with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables

Conclusion

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe captures everything you love about classic shawarma — smoky, tender, spiced chicken paired with rich, garlicky sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made simple at home, perfect for any meal that needs a little bold, flavorful magic. 🌯✨