Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is packed with flavor and easy to make at home. It is perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The marinated chicken is juicy and tender, and it pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce. Additionally, you can customize your toppings with fresh veggies, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
• Fresh vegetables (like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions) for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing minced garlic, yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl.
5. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. Serve the chicken in pita bread or flatbreads, topped with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Serve the Chicken Shawarma warm in pita bread or flatbreads. Add a generous amount of garlic sauce on top and include fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. You can also serve it with a side of pickles for extra flavor.

How to Store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

To store leftover Chicken Shawarma, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for about 3-4 days. For the garlic sauce, it can also be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to reheat the chicken, do so in a skillet to keep it juicy.

Tips to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight if you have time.
• Ensure the pan or grill is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as cucumber, feta cheese, or olives.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or marinated tofu. The same garlic sauce works great with these alternatives as well.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I make the garlic sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The garlic sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

3. What other spices can I add?
You can experiment with spices like chili powder for heat or add fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness.

Emma

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

This flavorful Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a Middle Eastern favorite made easy at home. Juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita and topped with creamy garlic sauce and fresh veggies — perfect for weeknights or entertaining!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 wraps

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions), for serving

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• grill or skillet
• cutting board
• knife
• spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken to the marinade, coating well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
4. While chicken cooks, mix garlic, yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl to make garlic sauce.
5. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then slice into thin strips.
6. Serve sliced chicken in pita bread with garlic sauce and fresh vegetables.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. You can use either chicken thighs or breasts, though thighs tend to stay juicier. Add toppings like cucumber, olives, or feta for extra variety. The garlic sauce can be made a day ahead.