Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce 🥙🍗🧄

Easy, juicy, and full of bold Middle Eastern flavor

Introduction

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a simple homemade version of the street-food classic—tender, spiced chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce.

It’s great for wraps, bowls, or salads, and doesn’t require a rotisserie—just a pan or oven.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

500–700g chicken thighs (boneless, best for juiciness)
3 tbsp plain yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional but authentic touch)
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt & black pepper

Garlic Sauce (Toum-style easy version):

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2–3 cloves garlic (very finely grated or crushed)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

For Serving:

Pita bread or flatbread
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers
Pickles (optional but recommended)
Fresh parsley

Substitutions:

Yogurt → dairy-free yogurt
Mayo → Greek yogurt (lighter version)
Chicken thighs → chicken breast (less juicy)
Spices → shawarma spice blend

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor)
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~1.5 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make marinade

Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl.

Step 2: Marinate chicken

Coat chicken well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Cook chicken

Pan method:
Cook in a hot skillet 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

Oven method:
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, then broil for char.

Step 4: Rest chicken

Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 5: Make garlic sauce

Mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble

Fill pita with chicken, vegetables, and drizzle garlic sauce.

Nutritional Information (approx per serving)

Calories: 400–600 kcal
Protein: 30–40g
Carbohydrates: 20–40g
Fat: 20–35g

Healthier Alternatives

Use chicken breast for lower fat
Replace mayo with Greek yogurt
Add more vegetables, fewer sauces
Serve in lettuce wraps instead of pita
Reduce oil slightly

Serving Suggestions

Rice or bulgur bowls
Salad wraps
Fries or roasted potatoes
Pickled vegetables
Hummus on the side

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping marination (less flavor)
Overcooking chicken (dry texture)
Using low heat (no browning)
Not slicing against the grain
Too much garlic in sauce (can overpower)

Storage Tips

Store chicken in fridge up to 4 days
Reheat in pan for best texture
Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months
Store sauce separately
Keep in airtight containers