🌯 Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Bold spices. Juicy chicken. Dreamy garlic sauce. This homemade Chicken Shawarma brings the rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East straight to your table no rotisserie needed!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together all the chicken spices with lemon juice and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the chicken, making sure it’s well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the deepest flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until nicely charred and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 75°C). Let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Assemble and Serve
Serve your juicy sliced shawarma-style chicken drizzled with garlic sauce and topped with fresh parsley. Pair it with:
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Fluffy rice
- Chopped salad or pickled veggies
⏱️ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour+
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving (without pita)
💡 Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for extra-juicy results.
- Grill over charcoal for an authentic smoky touch.
- Add shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a shawarma wrap.
- Want extra garlic punch? Add a touch of garlic paste to the sauce.
