Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a deeply flavorful dish that delivers warm spices, juicy chicken, and a creamy, punchy garlic sauce in every bite. It is one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for both family dinners and casual entertaining. The marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor, while the cooking method ensures it stays tender with beautifully caramelized edges.
I love this recipe because it brings restaurant-quality shawarma into the home kitchen without special equipment. After testing it a few ways, I found that roasting the chicken at high heat delivers the best balance of juiciness and char. The garlic sauce ties everything together with its bold, creamy finish. Whether served in wraps, bowls, or platters, this Chicken Shawarma is reliable, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe That’s Bold, Juicy, and Authentic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Authentic and flavorful chicken shawarma marinated in warm Middle Eastern spices, roasted until juicy, and served with a creamy homemade garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise (for garlic sauce)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for garlic sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated (for garlic sauce)
- Salt, to taste (for garlic sauce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization if desired.
- While chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to make garlic sauce.
- Slice cooked chicken thinly.
- Serve chicken shawarma with garlic sauce in wraps, pita, or over rice.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat.
- Garlic sauce can be made a day ahead.
- Serve with pita, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are ideal for shawarma because they remain juicy and flavorful during high-heat cooking.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps carry the spices and keeps the chicken moist while roasting.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken.
Garlic
Garlic builds depth in both the marinade and the sauce.
Ground cumin
Cumin provides warmth and an earthy base typical of shawarma spice blends.
Ground paprika
Paprika adds mild sweetness and color to the chicken.
Ground turmeric
Turmeric contributes warmth and a subtle earthy bitterness.
Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a gentle sweetness that balances savory spices.
Ground coriander
Coriander adds citrusy, floral notes that brighten the spice blend.
Salt
Salt enhances flavor and ensures the chicken is well seasoned throughout.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Greek yogurt
Yogurt forms the creamy base of the garlic sauce.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
White vinegar or lemon juice
This adds acidity and sharpness to the garlic sauce.
Directions
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss thoroughly until well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 220°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked and lightly charred at the edges. Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then slice thinly.
To prepare the garlic sauce, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the sliced chicken warm with garlic sauce, wrapped in flatbread or served over rice with fresh vegetables.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people as a main course.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, and finishing time is 5 minutes.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, marinating time is at least 1 hour, cooking time is 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or oven to preserve texture. The sauce is served cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Shawarma is extremely adaptable. You can grill the chicken instead of roasting for a smokier flavor. Chicken breast can be used for a leaner option, though thighs remain juicier.
For added freshness, serve with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, or shredded lettuce. You can also turn this into a shawarma bowl by serving the chicken over rice or quinoa with sauce drizzled on top.
If you prefer extra heat, add chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade. For a dairy-free sauce, use plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and rich in flavor. It can be made gluten-free by serving with gluten-free wraps or rice. Using yogurt-based sauce keeps it lighter than many cream-based alternatives.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Marinating time
Longer marinating results in deeper, more authentic flavor.
High heat cooking
Roasting at high temperature creates signature shawarma char.
Sauce balance
Adjust garlic gradually to avoid overpowering the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make chicken shawarma ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be cooked in advance and reheated gently.
Is shawarma spicy?
It is warmly spiced, not hot, unless you add chili.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.
What bread works best?
Flatbread or pita are ideal.
Can I grill this recipe?
Yes, grilling works very well.
Is the garlic sauce strong?
It is bold but balanced; adjust garlic to taste.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well for up to two months.
What sides pair well?
Rice, salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
Use more yogurt and less mayonnaise.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores and reheats well.
Conclusion
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a bold, comforting recipe that delivers authentic flavor with simple techniques. Juicy spiced chicken paired with creamy garlic sauce makes this dish endlessly satisfying and versatile. Whether wrapped, plated, or served as a bowl, this recipe offers dependable results and unforgettable flavor every time.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!