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chicken shawarma - featured image

Juicy Chicken Shawarma Recipe – Easy with Creamy Garlic Sauce


  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This homemade chicken shawarma recipe is bursting with flavor, featuring perfectly spiced, juicy chicken paired with a creamy garlic sauce. It’s easy to make and customizable for wraps, bowls, or salads.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for sauce)
  • Splash of water (for sauce)
  • Pita bread or wraps
  • Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, or fresh parsley (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk tahini, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of water until smooth and creamy. Adjust to taste.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook the chicken thighs for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Slice the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
  5. Assemble: Warm pita bread or wraps, layer on the chicken, garlic sauce, and your favorite toppings. Wrap it up and serve.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Toast the pita bread for added texture. Make extra garlic sauce to use as a dip or drizzle over roasted vegetables.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shawarma wrap
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 15
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Easy Dinner, Homemade Shawarma