The aroma of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of spices and savory goodness. Picture tender marinated chicken, perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, then drizzled with a velvety garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds.
This dish is not just a meal itβs an experience Whether itβs a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Chicken Shawarma brings everyone together around the table for hearty laughs and delightful bites.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shawarma is easy to make, allowing even novice cooks to impress
- The flavor explosion from spices and creamy sauce creates a heavenly taste
- Visually appealing, itβs perfect for serving guests or Instagram-worthy meals
- Versatile enough to enjoy in wraps or over rice, this dish suits any occasion
I once made Chicken Shawarma for a potluck and watched as friends dove in like it was the last supper, leaving nothing but empty plates behind.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I find thighs are juicier than breasts and soak up marinades beautifully for rich flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential it adds depth and an aromatic kick to your creamy sauce.
- Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for creaminess it balances the spices while keeping the sauce rich.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors and tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Coriander): These spices create that signature shawarma flavor profile warm and inviting
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep the chicken moist during grilling while enhancing overall flavor.
- Pita Bread or Flatbreads: Ideal for wrapping your shawarma they cradle all that scrumptious filling beautifully.
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Use good quality mayo for a luscious base it makes the sauce irresistible.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors always adjust to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare yourself for an adventure through flavors as we create this delectable Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Marinating the Chicken: Begin by combining yogurt, crushed garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and aromatic before adding in the chicken thighs.
Let It Soak: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour overnight is even better The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat (about 375Β°F or 190Β°C). Brush grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken: Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until lovely grill marks appear and juices run clear your kitchen will smell divine
Create Your Creamy Garlic Sauce: While chicken grills, mix mayonnaise with minced garlic in a bowl. Add lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as desired it should be tangy yet creamy
Slicing & Serving: Once grilled chicken has rested for five minutes post-cooking (to retain juices), slice it into strips. Serve on warm pita bread drizzled generously with creamy garlic sauce alongside fresh veggies.
Now youβre ready to dive into this mouthwatering journey filled with vibrant flavors Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce youβve earned it
You Must Know
- Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare
- This dish offers a delightful mix of spices and textures that will make your taste buds dance
- The aroma filling your kitchen while cooking is simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to enhance flavors. Sear the chicken first, then bake it for a juicy finish while preparing the creamy garlic sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce by adding grilled vegetables or using different spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the chicken moist and tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always ensure your chicken is marinated long enough this step enhances flavor dramatically
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for better taste
- Donβt rush the cooking process good things take time
Cooking this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce brought back memories of my first dinner party, where friends begged for seconds (and thirds). It felt amazing
FAQ
What can I serve with Chicken Shawarma?
Serve it with pita bread, pickles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely Lamb or beef also works wonderfully with this recipe.
How do I make the garlic sauce thicker?
Add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to achieve your desired thickness in the sauce.

Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a dish that transforms tender grilled chicken thighs into a culinary sensation. Marinated in a blend of spices and served with a velvety garlic sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy it wrapped in warm pita or over rice for a delightful meal thatβs sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- Pita bread or flatbreads (for serving)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour (overnight is ideal).
- Heat your grill to medium-high (375Β°F or 190Β°C) and lightly brush grates with olive oil.
- Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- While chicken is grilling, combine mayonnaise with minced garlic in a bowl. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Once grilled chicken rests for five minutes, slice into strips. Serve on warm pita bread drizzled with creamy garlic sauce alongside fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating grilled vegetables into your wraps. Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for variation.