Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is packed with warm spices, juicy grilled chicken, and a rich, garlicky yogurt sauce. It’s a quick, flavorful recipe perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish & Serving
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Warm pita bread or flatbread
Optional: sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, pickled turnips
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper (plus cayenne, if using). Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.Cook the Chicken:
Grill, bake (400°F for 25 mins), or pan-sear the marinated chicken until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest before slicing or shredding.Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.Assemble:
Layer chicken onto warm pita or flatbread, add optional veggies, drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, sprinkle fresh parsley, and serve!
Notes
The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. Overnight is best!
Double the garlic sauce—it’s great for dipping fries or spooning over rice.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
For dairy-free, sub yogurt and mayo with your favorite alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435 Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg