1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Chicken Shawarma Garlic

Tasty Chicken Shawarma Dish

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Make any meal special with this easy, flavor-packed chicken shawarma. Season chicken thighs with warm spices like chili, cumin, and turmeric, then choose to grill, roast, or pan-sear depending on your vibe. Add a creamy garlic sauce made from yogurt, lemon, and fresh garlic for a zesty kick. Wrap everything in a soft pita with parsley, pickled veggies, or any toppings you love. This dish comes together fast but tastes like you spent all day on it!

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 19:21:02 GMT
A serving of shawarma drizzled with creamy sauce. Pin it
A serving of shawarma drizzled with creamy sauce. | chefmelt.com

This filling chicken shawarma has been my go-to weeknight dinner solution for ages, bringing exciting Middle Eastern street food flavors straight to my home. The flavorful spice mix turns ordinary chicken thighs into something extraordinary, while the refreshing garlic sauce provides just the right creamy balance.

I began making shawarma after an unforgettable visit to a Lebanese eatery during my university days. The restaurant owner let me in on his overnight marinating technique, and now my children ask for "that chicken wrap thingy" practically every week.

Ingredients

How To Make Chicken Shawarma

A dish containing chicken, sauce, and fresh vegetables. Pin it
A dish containing chicken, sauce, and fresh vegetables. | chefmelt.com

Turmeric stands out as my favorite addition in this dish. Besides its health perks, it gives the shawarma that signature yellow color that makes everyone at the table go "amazing" before they even try it. My partner actually popped the question the week after I first cooked this for him, but he says that's just good timing.

Storage and Meal Prep

A serving of meat with cucumber slices on the side. Pin it
A serving of meat with cucumber slices on the side. | chefmelt.com

Serving Suggestions

The Cultural Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best time for marinating?

While 1 hour works, letting it marinate overnight makes the flavors soak in perfectly. It’s worth the wait!

→ Can I switch chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely! Skinless, boneless breasts are lighter and still hold the marinade well. Just cook them briefly since they’re leaner.

→ Is there a vegan version for the sauce?

Swap regular yogurt with a plant-based one and replace mayo with nut-based cream or a dairy-free alternative.

→ Which cooking style works best?

Grilling adds authentic char, baking is hands-free and fuss-free, while pan-searing gives a golden crust. Can’t go wrong with any!

→ What sides complement this dish?

Pair it with pita bread, tangy pickled turnips, crispy cucumbers, or fresh diced tomatoes. Hummus or tabbouleh also works great.

Chicken Shawarma Garlic

Flavorful chicken shawarma, creamy garlic sauce, fresh toppings, and warm bread.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Shawarma

01 2 pounds of chicken thighs, no bones or skin
02 3 tbsp of olive oil
03 2 tsp of cumin powder
04 2 tsp of paprika powder
05 1 tsp turmeric powder
06 1 tsp ground cinnamon
07 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
08 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 A pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
10 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional for extra heat

→ Garlic Sauce

11 1/2 cup of thick Greek yogurt
12 2 tbsp good-quality mayonnaise
13 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
14 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
15 A sprinkle of salt and some pepper to your liking

→ Toppings & Serving

16 1/4 cup of parsley, chopped finely
17 Flatbread or warm pita
18 Optional: Fresh cucumber slices
19 Optional: Chopped tomato pieces
20 Optional: Turnips, pickled

Instructions

Step 01

Mix cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper into a smooth marinade. Dunk chicken into the mix, turn to coat well, and seal in a bag or shallow dish. Refrigerate for an hour or let it soak overnight for richer flavor.

Step 02

Chop parsley and prep any veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers. Toast your pita or flatbread till it's nice and warm. Fire up your grill, heat your oven, or get your skillet ready depending on how you'd like to cook.

Step 03

Heat grill to medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken on each side for about 5-7 minutes, or till it’s thoroughly cooked (165°F inside). Slightly charred bits make it taste even better.

Step 04

Set oven to 425°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning over halfway through. Want crispy edges? Broil it for 2 more minutes at the end.

Step 05

Get a hot skillet ready with a tablespoon of oil, medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side till it’s golden brown. Lower the heat, cover it up, and let it cook for 2 more minutes to keep it tender.

Step 06

Combine yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper to your liking. Want a smoky vibe? Add a tiny pinch of paprika. Chill the sauce for 30 minutes.

Step 07

Slice the chicken. Spread the garlic sauce on a warm pita, then pile on the chicken, parsley, and any toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled turnips. Eat it while it’s fresh and warm!

Notes

  1. You’ll get the best flavor if the chicken marinates overnight.
  2. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken depending on what you’ve got.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy mixing bowl
  • Resealable plastic bag or flat dish
  • Grill pan, oven, or stovetop skillet
  • Baking parchment for baking option
  • A handheld whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes milk-based items (yogurt, mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 25 g