Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a bold, savory, and aromatic dish featuring tender, marinated chicken cooked until juicy and golden, then wrapped or served with a creamy, garlicky sauce that ties everything together. I love how this dish packs in tons of flavor with minimal effort—it’s one of my favorite ways to bring the taste of street food right into my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because the marinade does all the heavy lifting—loaded with warm spices, lemon, and garlic, it transforms plain chicken into something incredible. The garlic sauce is creamy, tangy, and the perfect cooling contrast. Whether I serve it in pita bread, on a salad, or over rice, it always feels like a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken shawarma:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Garlic (minced)

• Ground cumin

• Ground paprika

• Ground coriander

• Ground turmeric

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground black pepper

• Salt

• Optional: cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat

For the garlic sauce (toum-style or yogurt-based):

• Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt

• Garlic (crushed or grated)

• Lemon juice

• Olive oil (optional for richness)

• Salt

• Optional: a little water to thin

Directions

1. I start by combining the marinade ingredients—olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices—in a bowl or zip-top bag.

2. I add the chicken, toss to coat well, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

3. I heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked—about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. I let it rest, then slice into strips.

4. For the garlic sauce, I mix together mayo or Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. I whisk in olive oil if I want it richer, and adjust the thickness with water as needed.

5. I serve the sliced chicken with warm pita, rice, or salad, drizzled generously with the garlic sauce and topped with extras like chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, or pickled veggies.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3–4 and takes about 40 minutes total—10 minutes to prep, 1 hour to marinate (minimum), and 20 minutes to cook and assemble.

Variations

Sometimes I bake the chicken in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes instead of pan-searing. I’ve also made it into a bowl with rice, hummus, and veggies or stuffed it into flatbread wraps. For a dairy-free garlic sauce, I stick to olive oil and garlic whipped in a blender, toum-style.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. The garlic sauce also keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I stir before using if it separates.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes. I love grilling it for an added smoky flavor—just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and charred in spots.

Can I make the garlic sauce without mayo?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt works great, or I use a traditional toum made with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt.

What kind of chicken is best?

I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts also work well if I don’t overcook them.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes. I freeze it in the marinade, then thaw and cook it when ready. It’s a great way to meal prep ahead of time.

What sides go well with chicken shawarma?

I like serving it with rice pilaf, tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, or simple cucumber-tomato salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is one of those meals that feels like a feast but is easy enough for any day of the week. With bold spices, juicy chicken, and a garlicky sauce to tie it all together, it’s a dish I keep coming back to. Whether I’m wrapping it up or serving it in a bowl, it always hits the spot.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavor-packed Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender spiced chicken and a creamy garlic sauce. Served in wraps, bowls, or on salads, it’s an easy, satisfying street food favorite you can make at home.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Yield: 3–4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop or Grilled
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes
• Garlic Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: water to thin as needed

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Instructions

1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
2. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
4. For garlic sauce, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil (if using), and salt. Thin with water as needed.
5. Serve chicken with warm pita, rice, or salad. Drizzle with garlic sauce and top with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, or pickled veggies.

Notes

• Bake chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes for an easy alternative.
• Use chicken thighs for more juiciness; breasts work if not overcooked.
• Try a dairy-free garlic sauce using garlic, oil, and lemon in a blender (toum-style).
• Freeze chicken in marinade for future use—great for meal prep.
• Pairs well with tabbouleh, hummus, roasted veggies, or rice pilaf.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving with garlic sauce
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg