What the heck is this?
Craving a flavor-packed meal that’s juicy, tender, and totally satisfying? Meet Chicken Shawarma. It’s juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in a warm pita or flatbread, paired with a dreamy creamy garlic sauce that takes everything to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a quick weeknight meal, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s savory, slightly tangy, and has a little zing from the spices, making each bite a flavor explosion. Plus, it’s a breeze to make at home, so no need to hit up your local shawarma spot for that crave-worthy taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly spiced chicken with a crispy, golden exterior.
- Creamy garlic sauce that complements the spices in the chicken perfectly.
- Simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.
- Customizable — stuff it in a pita, on top of rice, or enjoy it with veggies.
- Cooks in under 45 minutes.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp tahini (optional, but adds extra richness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: pickles or hot sauce
Let’s Do This!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it forms a marinade. Add the chicken thighs and toss them in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, tahini (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma
Warm your pita or flatbreads and then layer the sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and top with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few pickles or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce immediately, or let everyone build their own wraps. Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a fun weeknight treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
- For a more substantial meal, serve over rice or couscous.
- Add a side of hummus and warm pita for a Mediterranean feast.
Switch It Up
- Go Veggie: Use the same marinade for grilled vegetables or tofu.
- Add Heat: Top your shawarma with a drizzle of spicy harissa or your favorite hot sauce.
- Make It Low-Carb: Skip the pita and serve the chicken with a low-carb wrap or lettuce leaves.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chicken can be marinated a day ahead to save time. Just store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Leftover chicken makes great additions to salads, wraps, or even in a grain bowl.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine. Just keep in mind that they might need a little less cooking time than thighs, and they’re a bit leaner.
Q: What if I don’t have tahini for the sauce?
A: You can skip the tahini or substitute with a little extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken?
A: Yes! Freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Craving a flavor-packed meal that’s juicy, tender, and totally satisfying? Meet Chicken Shawarma. It’s juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in a warm pita or flatbread, paired with a dreamy creamy garlic sauce that takes everything to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a quick weeknight meal, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s savory, slightly tangy, and has a little zing from the spices, making each bite a flavor explosion. Plus, it’s a breeze to make at home, so no need to hit up your local shawarma spot for that crave-worthy taste!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground paprika
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
3 tbsp tahini (optional, but adds extra richness)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
For Serving:
Warm pita bread or flatbreads
Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Optional: pickles or hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it forms a marinade. Add the chicken thighs and toss them in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, tahini (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma
Warm your pita or flatbreads and then layer the sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and top with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few pickles or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce immediately, or let everyone build their own wraps. Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a fun weeknight treat.
Notes
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
For a more substantial meal, serve over rice or couscous.
Add a side of hummus and warm pita for a Mediterranean feast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Fat: | ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Protein: ~28g