Few dishes capture the magic of Middle Eastern street food quite like Chicken Shawarma—aromatic, juicy, tender, and bursting with warm spices. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and delivers deep, satisfying flavor with every bite. Shawarma has long been a beloved staple across the Middle East, traditionally cooked on a vertical spit and shaved into thin slices. While that method creates an unmistakable texture, you can easily recreate the same mouthwatering experience at home with a skillet, grill pan, or oven.
This homemade version pairs well-seasoned chicken thighs with a velvety, tangy garlic sauce that ties everything together. Whether tucked into warm pita, layered over fluffy rice, or served atop fresh salad bowls, this recipe brings restaurant-quality shawarma into your home kitchen with ease. The best part? It’s simple, authentic in flavor, and ideal for both weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.
Recipe Overview
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce recipe features marinated chicken thighs infused with bold spices like cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and coriander. Once cooked and sliced, the chicken is topped with a creamy yogurt–garlic sauce and served in wraps, bowls, or platters. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, coriander, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until the marinade is smooth and evenly combined.
Tip: Taste a small drop of marinade before adding chicken—adjust salt or lemon to your liking.
2. Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, though overnight marination gives deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or oven to medium-high. Cook the chicken thighs until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside, flipping halfway.
- Stovetop: 5–7 minutes per side
- Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes
- Grill: 4–6 minutes per side
Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then slice into thin strips.
4. Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
5. Serve
Pair the sliced chicken with the garlic sauce in:
- Warm pita or wraps
- Rice bowls with vegetables
- Salads topped with pickles and herbs
- Shawarma platters with fries or hummus
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Swap the Protein
- Turkey thighs or breasts
- Thinly sliced beef
- Firm tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version
2. Spice Adjustments
- Add cayenne or chili flakes for heat
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
- Add cardamom for a more traditional aroma
3. Enhance Moisture
Chicken thighs naturally stay juicy, but adding 1–2 tablespoons of yogurt to the marinade can tenderize the meat further.
4. Make it Crispy
After slicing, return chicken to a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the edges.
5. Garlic Sauce Variations
- Add fresh dill or mint
- Substitute labneh for a thicker dip
- Add a splash of olive oil for richness
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Chicken: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Garlic Sauce: Refrigerate up to 5 days.
Reheating
Warm chicken in a covered skillet over medium heat or briefly in the oven to maintain moisture.
Serving Ideas
- Build shawarma wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and fries
- Serve over turmeric rice with chopped parsley
- Create a mezze platter with hummus, tabbouleh, and warm pita
This homemade Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce delivers an authentic flavor experience with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Its bold spices, tender chicken, and creamy garlic sauce make it a versatile and satisfying dish suitable for wraps, bowls, or family-style platters. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a regular in your meal rotation.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but marinate longer and avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
2. Can the marinade be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely—prepare up to 24 hours in advance.
3. How do I make the garlic sauce stronger?
Add extra minced garlic or let the sauce rest longer in the fridge.
4. What toppings work best with shawarma?
Pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, parsley, turnips, and thin fries.
5. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors deepen over time, and the chicken reheats well.
Juicy, spiced Chicken Shawarma paired with creamy garlic sauce. Easy marinade, simple cooking steps, and perfect for wraps, bowls, or meal prep.