If you’re craving something that’s bold, aromatic, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the dish you’ve been dreaming about. This beloved favorite takes juicy, spice-marinated chicken thighs, grills them to perfection, and wraps them up in warm pita alongside a swoon-worthy creamy garlic sauce. The layers of flavor in every bite are simply unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or rolling out wraps for friends, this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is sure to steal the show!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a dozen specialty items to pull off this showstopper! The beauty of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every spice, splash, and scoop matters—here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up those delicious spices; you can use breasts, but thighs guarantee more flavor and moisture.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade flavors cling to and tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic: Provides that signature punch—use fresh for maximum impact in both chicken and sauce!
- Ground Cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones for classic shawarma depth.
- Ground Coriander: Adds citrusy brightness that plays beautifully against the rich meat.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a bold, smoky aroma for an irresistible grilled flavor.
- Ground Turmeric: Offers gentle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue—plus antioxidant power.
- Ground Cinnamon: A tiny bit brings unexpected sweetness and complexity.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and intensifying flavors.
- Black Pepper: Lends gentle heat and balances out the spices.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to brighten and tenderize the chicken while tying all the flavors together.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy garlic sauce; rich, smooth, and wonderfully tangy.
- Greek Yogurt: Lightens the sauce with a gentle tang and makes it ultra-creamy.
- Garlic Paste: Freshly minced until smooth for a sauce that packs a garlicky punch.
- Lemon Juice (for sauce): Keeps the sauce zesty and fresh.
- Salt (for sauce): Rounds out all the flavors for perfect balance.
- Pita Bread or Flatbreads: The classic way to wrap up all the goodness—soft, warm, and welcoming.
- Chopped Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Cool, crisp, and colorful toppings for contrast and freshness.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a large bowl to make the marinade. Add the chicken thighs, turning them to coat thoroughly so every piece gets soaked in those amazing aromatics. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour—the longer, the better! This time lets all the spices and citrus seep deep into the chicken, giving Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce its legendary flavor.
Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the marinated chicken thighs on and let them sizzle for 5–7 minutes per side. You want the outside to get gorgeously charred and smoky, while the inside stays juicy. Chicken thighs are forgiving, so don’t stress about a few extra minutes! Let the cooked chicken rest for five minutes before slicing into strips; this keeps every bite moist and full of flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt in a mixing bowl. This Creamy Garlic Sauce is tangy, smooth, and lush—seriously addictive and so easy to whip up. Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your love for bold flavors, and don’t be shy about making extra; it disappears quickly!
Step 4: Assemble Your Shawarma Wraps
Time for the best part! Warm up your pita or flatbreads, then pile on the sliced chicken, letting all those spices shine. Top with crunchy lettuce, cucumbers, juicy diced tomatoes, and thin red onion slices for beautiful freshness and crunch. Drizzle plenty of Creamy Garlic Sauce over everything—this is where Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce truly comes to life. Fold, wrap, and get ready for a flavor explosion.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of green and herbal brightness that makes Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce look as good as it tastes. You can also add a pinch of sumac for a citrusy zing or a dusting of paprika for extra color and depth. A few quick pickled red onions or crunchy sliced radishes elevate every bite with a tangy finish!
Side Dishes
Round out your shawarma feast with classic Mediterranean sides! Try tabbouleh for herby freshness, a platter of hummus and warm pita for creamy comfort, or even crispy fries for a fun twist—shawarma and fries are a match made in heaven. Lightly dressed cucumber-tomato salad or a simple slaw also bring a refreshing contrast alongside the hearty wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce platter-style for crowd-pleasing fun: let everyone build their own wraps with bowls of toppings and sauce on the side. You can also transform leftovers into a vibrant grain bowl with rice or quinoa, or stack chicken and sauce over loaded fries for a party-ready appetizer. Mini shawarma sliders in small pitas or lettuce wraps make the perfect party snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce (keep chicken and sauce separate for best texture) in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps for up to four days, and the garlic sauce stays fresh for about a week. Keep your toppings separate and slice veggies just before serving for ultimate crunch and vibrancy.
Freezing
The marinated or cooked chicken freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers—label and date for easy grab-and-go meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the Creamy Garlic Sauce doesn’t freeze as well due to the mayo and yogurt, you can make fresh sauce in minutes when serving.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warm, splashing a little water or chicken broth in the pan to keep things juicy. Avoid microwaving, if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Pita and flatbread come back to life wrapped in foil in a low oven or briefly warmed on a hot pan.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a bit leaner and may dry out faster, but marinating and careful cooking keep them tender. If you crave that extra richness and juiciness, thighs are the way to go, but both meats produce fantastic Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
How spicy is this shawarma recipe?
This recipe strikes a warming, aromatic balance rather than full-on heat. If you love things spicy, sprinkle in some cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. Otherwise, it’s mild enough for kids and those who shy away from chili heat.
Can the Creamy Garlic Sauce be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free yogurt in place of Greek yogurt, or simply skip it and add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin the sauce. The flavor stays satisfyingly garlicky and creamy—making Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce accessible to everyone.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken if I’m short on time?
Even 30 minutes in the marinade will give your chicken a burst of flavor, but if you can, prep ahead the night before for the best result. If time’s tight, massage the marinade into the meat to infuse the spices as deeply as possible before grilling.
Can I make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Grill the chicken and make the garlic sauce up to four days in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, and simply warm the chicken and assemble your wraps whenever hunger hits—a total lifesaver for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about creating your own Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce right at home—every flavorful bite is proof that you don’t need a restaurant to experience greatness. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a regular on your table. Invite your loved ones to wrap, drizzle, and savor together!
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavorful and aromatic Chicken Shawarma with a luscious Creamy Garlic Sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is a perfect balance of spices, juicy grilled chicken, and a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lemon
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves (minced to a paste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Serving (optional):
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- chopped lettuce
- sliced cucumbers
- diced tomatoes
- red onion slices
Instructions
- Main Dish: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble shawarma by layering chicken into pita with desired toppings and garlic sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs.
- For a lighter garlic sauce, increase Greek yogurt and reduce mayo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap with sauce
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
