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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Juicy marinated chicken shawarma cooked to perfection and served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, ideal for wraps, pita, or salads with Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 large cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • For Creamy Garlic Sauce: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 cloves garlic, grated
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • Optional: pita bread, french fries, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: Combine olive oil, grated garlic, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Add chicken thighs, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 hours or overnight.
  2. Cook the chicken: Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Alternatively, sear in a skillet or oven-roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice into chunks.
  3. Make the creamy garlic sauce: Grate garlic cloves, mix with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with a splash of water or milk if needed.
  4. Assemble: Warm pita bread, add sliced chicken, optional toppings like french fries, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce. Wrap and serve.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Use Greek yogurt for thicker sauce; thin with milk if desired. Grill for smoky flavor or air fryer for quick cooking. Pairs well with fresh veggies and fries.

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