Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
There’s something truly special about Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce, tender, marinated chicken infused with bold Middle Eastern spices, roasted or grilled until golden, then drizzled with a creamy, garlicky sauce that brings it all together.
Every bite bursts with flavor: smoky paprika, bright lemon, earthy cumin, and a hint of warmth from cinnamon. Wrapped in pita or served over rice, it’s comfort food at its most flavorful.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
This dish transforms simple chicken into a rich, aromatic meal the whole family will love. The garlic sauce, often called “toum”, is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balances the spices in the chicken.
If you’ve tried my Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce or Mediterranean Chicken Tenders, this shawarma recipe gives you that same juicy, herby magic, just wrapped in bold, smoky flavors that taste like a street food favorite.
And yes, it’s weeknight easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shawarma Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for creamier texture)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for best flavor). - Cook the chicken:
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes.
- Make the garlic sauce:
Combine yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Mix until smooth. Chill until ready to serve. - Slice and serve:
Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Serve with garlic sauce, pita, rice, or salad.
Lina’s Tips
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- For extra charred flavor, finish the cooked chicken under the broiler for 2 minutes.
- Make it a full platter with rice, hummus, and salad, or tuck into pita bread for a handheld meal.
- Try pairing with the Air Fryer Carrots Recipe or Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce for a Mediterranean-style feast.
Serving Ideas
These Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce wraps are endlessly versatile:
- Serve in warm pita with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Pile over fluffy basmati rice and drizzle with extra sauce.
- Make it part of a mezze board with hummus, olives, and roasted vegetables.
It’s simple, wholesome, and perfect for gatherings.
Lina’s Cozy Note
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce brings so much warmth and comfort. The spices fill your kitchen with incredible aromas, and the creamy sauce gives every bite a perfect finishing touch.
It’s a dish that’s as joyful to cook as it is to eat, easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for weekends.
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: Juicy, Spiced & Absolutely Irresistible
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, spiced Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce, a Middle Eastern classic made easy at home in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices to make marinade.
2. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Cook on skillet or grill 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a smooth garlic sauce.
5. Slice chicken and serve with garlic sauce, pita, or rice.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier texture.
Broil for 2 minutes for extra charred flavor.
Pair with hummus, pickles, or salad for a full shawarma platter.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern