Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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!

Notes

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.