Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Bring bold Middle Eastern flavor to your kitchen with this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce! Juicy, spiced chicken is marinated and oven-roasted (or pan-seared), then sliced thin and tucked into warm flatbreads with fresh veggies and a tangy, creamy garlic sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, lunch prep, or crowd-pleasing wrap you’ll crave again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor – A rich blend of spices gives the chicken that authentic shawarma taste.
Creamy Garlic Sauce – Cool, garlicky, and perfect for balancing the spices.
Versatile Serving – Wrap it, bowl it, or pile it on a plate—your call.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy all week long.
No Special Equipment – No rotisserie needed—just your oven or skillet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Warm pita or flatbreads
• Sliced cucumbers
• Chopped lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Pickled onions or turnips
• Fresh parsley or mint
• Lemon wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Skillet or baking sheet
• Tongs
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices.
Add chicken thighs and toss until well coated.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
Spread marinated chicken in a single layer.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Skillet Method:
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Chill until ready to use.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
Slice thinly into strips for easy wrapping or bowl-building.

Step 5: Assemble Your Shawarma
Lay out warm pita or flatbreads.
Add a layer of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and sliced chicken.
Drizzle generously with garlic sauce.
Top with pickled onions and herbs if using.
Wrap it up and enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Homemade Shawarma
Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and flavorful when cooked.
Marinate Longer – The more time you give the spices, the deeper the flavor.
Double the Sauce – It’s that good—you’ll want extra for dipping.
Warm the Bread – A warm pita makes everything taste better.
Customize – Add hummus, feta, olives, or hot sauce for your own twist.

Serving Suggestions
Shawarma Bowls – Serve over rice or quinoa with grilled veggies.
Lettuce Wraps – For a low-carb option, wrap in romaine leaves.
With Sides – Pair with roasted potatoes, tabbouleh, or a chickpea salad.
Family Style – Let everyone build their own wraps with toppings on the table.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store sliced cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Garlic sauce lasts 3–4 days refrigerated.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Skillet – Reheat sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

2. What if I don’t like mayonnaise?
Swap it with extra Greek yogurt or sour cream in the garlic sauce.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild with warming spices. Add cayenne or chili flakes for extra heat.

4. Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook. Slice thinly to keep it tender.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based yogurt for both the marinade and sauce, and skip the mayo or use a vegan version.

Final Thoughts
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is everything you want in a meal—easy, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Whether you roll it in a wrap, pile it into a bowl, or serve it on a platter for friends, it brings a taste of the Middle East right to your kitchen.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 520mg

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