Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

by Nina Johnson May 29, 2025, 11:13 am

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a Middle Eastern street food stall—and we mean that in the best possible way. Juicy, marinated chicken kissed with warm spices and grilled to perfection, then draped in a lusciously garlicky sauce that’s equal parts tangy and dreamy. Each bite is packed with smoky flavor, rich texture, and bold personality.

Perfect for wraps, rice bowls, or salads, this homemade shawarma recipe will easily become a go-to favorite for family dinners or weekend gatherings. And the best part? It’s easier than you think to recreate this restaurant-quality dish right at home.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Shawarma?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for shawarma because they remain juicy and tender through marination and high-heat cooking. However, chicken breasts can work well too, especially if they’re pounded to even thickness to prevent drying out.

Ingredients for the Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Chicken Thighs
The hero of the recipe. Thighs have a deeper flavor and are more forgiving on the grill or stovetop.

Greek Yogurt
Used in the marinade to tenderize the meat and add creaminess.

Lemon Juice
Adds brightness and helps break down the chicken fibers for that perfect tenderness.

Olive Oil
For richness and to help carry the spices.

Garlic
Both fresh garlic in the marinade and more in the sauce for that signature flavor punch.

Shawarma Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Coriander, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Allspice)
These spices bring warmth, smokiness, and complexity to every bite.

Salt & Pepper
To balance and enhance all the other flavors.

Creamy Garlic Sauce (Mayo, Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Salt)
A velvety blend that cools the spiced chicken and brings everything together.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Cilantro)
For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Optional: Pickles, Lettuce, Pita or Flatbread
To serve it shawarma-style in wraps or bowls.

How To Make the Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and all the spices: cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, stir together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Adjust garlic to your preferred intensity. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through. Let them rest a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Layer the sliced chicken over a bed of lettuce or tuck into warm pita or flatbread. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top. Add pickles or sliced onions for extra tang and crunch.

Serving and Storing Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Try it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or tucked inside a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and crunchy pickles. You can also serve it as a shawarma plate with hummus, tabbouleh, and warm flatbread for a full Mediterranean-style meal.

To store leftovers, keep the cooked chicken and garlic sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay good for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet for best texture. The garlic sauce can be refrigerated for 5-6 days and also makes a great dip for veggies or fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but make sure to pound the breasts to even thickness to avoid drying out during cooking.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

You can substitute with a pre-made shawarma spice blend or adjust based on what you have—just try to include the cumin, paprika, and turmeric at a minimum.

Is the garlic sauce very strong?

You can control the garlic intensity by using less or more depending on your preference. Roasting the garlic beforehand also mellows the flavor.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling gives it an extra smoky flavor. Just make sure to oil the grates and cook over medium-high heat.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in its marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re all about bold flavors and hearty plates like this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce, check out these other standout dinner recipes:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty and comforting pasta night.
One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta when you want spice, creaminess, and one-pan ease.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for ultra-rich, satisfying bites.
Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta if you’re craving a unique blend of sweet and savory.
One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac for a Southern twist on mac and cheese.

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Tried it? Snap a pic and let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Try it with extra pickles?

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