Name: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is pure magic in a wrap: juicy, spice-kissed chicken thighs hugged by pillowy pita, draped in a thick, garlicky sauce that you’ll want to eat with a spoon. Every bite delivers dazzling Middle Eastern flavors, crunch from fresh veggies, and the cooling embrace of its signature sauce. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want to jazz up a weeknight meal, this is one of those dishes that feels both impressive and comfortingly familiar. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for homemade street food thrills!

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is how a handful of well-loved pantry spices, fresh aromatics, and just a few staples come together to create something spectacular. Each ingredient has a role—spices for warmth and color, yogurt for tang, olive oil for richness, and the mighty garlic that ties both chicken and sauce together.

Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness and maximum flavor—they soak up the marinade beautifully!
Olive Oil: Not just for moisture; it also acts as a flavor carrier and helps brown the chicken deliciously.
Ground Cumin: Earthy, nutty, and essential for that traditional shawarma note you crave.
Ground Paprika: Adds deep warmth and that gorgeous, appetizing reddish hue.
Ground Turmeric: A pinch of color and a touch of earthy aroma—plus, it’s good for you!
Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon, but it brings a gentle, surprising sweetness that’s classic in Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Four whole cloves, minced—don’t hold back, this is where a lot of the magic happens.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Salt and Pepper: To taste—simple but never to be skipped.
Greek Yogurt: Thick, creamy, and tangy—the backbone of your Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Mayonnaise: Just enough to add unbelievable silkiness to your sauce.
More Lemon Juice: A tablespoon in the sauce for that perfect zing!
More Garlic Cloves: Three more, because you can never have too much garlic in this dish.
Pita Bread: Essential for wrapping up all these beautiful flavors. Fresh and soft is best!
Fresh Veggies (optional): Think cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, or even a handful of arugula for vibrant crunch and contrast.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce journey with a fragrant marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken thighs and rub the marinade all over—really make sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let the flavors develop in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is even better!). This is where all that irresistible flavor comes from.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to bring your marinated shawarma chicken to life. You have options! For gorgeous char and smokiness, grill the thighs over medium-high until golden and cooked through. Baking is super convenient and gives lovely caramelized edges. Or, if you’re in a hurry, quick pan-searing delivers maximum browning and juiciness. However you choose, cook until the chicken is beautifully browned outside and fully cooked inside—juices should run clear.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix up the Creamy Garlic Sauce that makes this dish truly shine. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The result should be thick, lusciously smooth, and brimming with garlicky fragrance. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Time for the fun part—assembly! Lay out warm pita bread, then pile on slices of that wonderfully seasoned chicken. If you love a bit of crunch and freshness, scatter on some chopped veggies—tomato, cucumber, red onion, a little fresh parsley. Generously drizzle over your Creamy Garlic Sauce. Wrap everything up tight, and prepare for total mealtime elation.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce turns heads with just a few thoughtful finishing touches. Try a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for color, or a dusting of sumac for tangy flair. A few thinly sliced pickles or a squeeze of extra lemon juice take each wrap from tasty to truly memorable.

Side Dishes

Serving your shawarma alongside a platter of crisp, fresh veggies—such as sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—makes it a vibrant, satisfying meal. Classic sides like spiced rice, tabbouleh, or even oven-roasted potatoes complement those shawarma flavors perfectly, soaking up every last drop of that Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce! Serve it deconstructed as a build-your-own shawarma board at your next party. Or, layer the chicken and sauce atop a salad for a lighter spin. For a cozy dinner, stuff wraps and slice them into bite-sized pinwheels—dippable, snackable, and so much fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover chicken and any remaining Creamy Garlic Sauce separately and store both in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay juicy for up to 3 days, and the sauce remains delicious and vibrant for about the same. Perfect for lunchbox wraps or swift weeknight dinners!

Freezing

While the Creamy Garlic Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, the cooked chicken is a freezer superstar. Cool the chicken completely, slice it up, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag up to 2 months. Pull it out whenever you crave homemade shawarma—so easy!

Reheating

To refresh your chicken, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy again. A splash of water helps keep it tender. Just don’t microwave the sauce—its creamy texture is best straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely—chicken breasts will work, but they’re leaner so won’t be quite as juicy as thighs in Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Marinate them just as you would the thighs, and be mindful not to overcook for the best texture.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt or even sour cream will do the trick! The sauce will still turn out creamy and delicious, with that signature tanginess.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance, and prep the sauce ahead too. Both actually taste even better after the flavors have had a chance to mingle, making prep a breeze before a gathering.

Is Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce gluten free?

The chicken and sauce are naturally gluten free. Just serve in gluten free pita or lettuce wraps, and double-check any store-bought ingredient labels to be sure.

Can I grill the chicken on an indoor grill or grill pan?

Yes! An indoor grill or grill pan gives you those wonderful char marks and smoke-kissed flavor year-round. Just cook as directed, flipping to brown both sides, until the chicken is cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce, it feels like I’m sharing something extra special with everyone at the table. There’s just nothing like those juicy, spice-laden bites paired with cool, garlicky goodness. Give this recipe a try and let it become a favorite in your own kitchen too!