Dinner

Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Name: Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Pita bread or wraps (for serving); Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers for serving); 1/4 cup tahini (optional, for garlic sauce); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

ByLila Prescott February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern classic known for its aromatic spices and tender meat. Paired with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables, this dish makes a perfect, satisfying meal any day of the week.

The image shows a close-up of a wrap held by a woman's hand, filled with grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with some char marks. The chicken is topped with a smooth white sauce that looks creamy and is unevenly spread over the top. The wrap is soft and slightly toasted with light brown spots, folded gently around the filling. In the background, there are white soft tortillas, onion rings, and some fries placed on a white marbled surface, adding context but softly blurred to keep the focus on the wrap. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric

Salt and pepper to taste
Pita bread or wraps (for serving)
Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers for serving)

1/4 cup tahini (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Step 4: For the garlic sauce, combine tahini with any leftover marinade or yogurt, adding a touch of lemon juice for smoother consistency.

Step 5: Serve sliced chicken in pita or wraps with fresh vegetables, drizzle generously with garlic sauce, and garnish with parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to let the spices fully penetrate the meat.
Use chicken thighs for juicier results, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade if you like a bit of heat.
Try serving with pickled vegetables or a drizzle of hot sauce for added zest.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it moist. Garlic sauce can be kept separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white tortilla wrap held by a woman's hand, filled with grilled, golden-brown chicken pieces topped with drizzled white creamy sauce. The chicken looks juicy and slightly charred, adding texture and warmth to the wrap. In the background, there are some white tortillas stacked, slices of red tomatoes, rings of light purple onion, and some fries on a silver foil, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other meats for shawarma?

Yes, beef, lamb, or even turkey can be used with similar marinades, but cooking times will vary based on the meat.

Is it necessary to use yogurt in the marinade?

Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds a slight tang, but you can substitute with buttermilk or omit it and increase olive oil and lemon juice slightly.