This tasty chicken shawarma is a breeze to make! Marinated in flavorful spices, it’s grilled to perfection and is sure to make your taste buds dance.
And let’s not forget that creamy garlic sauce! It’s the extra touch that will have you licking the bowl clean. Trust me, I’m guilty of finishing off the sauce myself! 😄
I love serving it in a warm pita with fresh veggies on the side. It’s a satisfying meal that’s both fun to eat and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey slices can be a good alternative.
Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon is essential for that authentic shawarma flavor. If you don’t have a specific spice, try using a store-bought shawarma spice blend instead!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a bolder flavor in both the chicken and the sauce. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better! I sometimes double the garlic for stronger flavor.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt helps tenderize the chicken. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt substitute. For a zingy twist, lemon juice can stand in.
How Do I Make the Chicken Extra Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is a key step! The yogurt and spices work wonders to tenderize and infuse flavor. Aim to marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 2-3 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor. I usually prep it in the morning and grill it for dinner!
- Mix the marinade ingredients well, and coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate, remembering that longer is better!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken for Shawarma?
To get a nice char without drying out, use medium-high heat on your grill pan or skillet. Aim for 4-5 minutes on each side, cooking until the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s very handy here!
- Try to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- If you want to add a smoky flavor, consider grilling on an outdoor grill!
How Can I Customize the Creamy Garlic Sauce?
This creamy garlic sauce is super versatile! If you want creaminess without yogurt, use tahini as a base. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. For a kick, include a pinch of chili powder or extra lemon juice for a tangy zest!
- Mix all ingredients until smooth and taste as you go to adjust seasoning!
- If you are making the sauce ahead of time, keep it in the fridge for a cool addition to your shawarma.
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or lemon juice (for marinade)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon tahini for added richness
To Serve:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Fresh vegetables: sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, lettuce
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 1 hour of marination. After marinating, the cooking takes about 10-15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long you marinate the chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and yogurt or lemon juice. Stir well until everything is well blended. This flavorful marinade is what makes the chicken shine!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Aim to marinate for at least 1 hour or, for even better flavor, 2-3 hours (or overnight if you’re prepping ahead!).
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix until smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add tahini if you want extra richness. This sauce is the ultimate complement to your chicken shawarma!
4. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. Don’t be tempted to flip too soon; let it get that nice brown color!
5. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken cooks, warm your pita bread or flatbread briefly in another pan or in the oven. This makes it soft and ready to hold all those delicious fillings!
6. Assemble Your Shawarma:
To put it all together, spread a generous amount of creamy garlic sauce on your warm pita. Layer on the cooked chicken slices and top with fresh veggies and herbs of your choice. Feel free to customize with any toppings that make your taste buds happy!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Roll or fold the pita around all those tasty fillings and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade, easy chicken shawarma with that irresistible creamy garlic sauce!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Meats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can also use beef, lamb, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for more tender cuts like lamb or turkey, as they may cook faster.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with marinated and grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Alternatively, you can use tofu or chickpeas marinated in the same spices for a delicious twist!
Can I Make the Shawarma Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly while stored.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken should stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet; avoid microwaving to keep it juicy. The sauce can be enjoyed cold!
