Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cutlets preferred); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 3 tablespoons fat free chicken stock; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Ground pepper to taste; 2/3 cup nonfat, plain Greek yogurt; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3-4 tablespoons almond milk or skim milk (adjust for desired consistency); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Pita bread; Tomatoes; Cucumber; Parsley; Iceberg lettuce

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you have ever yearned for a dish that bursts with bold, vibrant flavors and melts in your mouth, then this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Marinated to perfection with a tantalizing blend of aromatic spices and herbs, tender chicken breasts get infused with deep smoky notes and subtle warmth. Paired with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce that’s tangy yet smooth, this recipe channels authentic Middle Eastern magic right in your kitchen. It’s as comforting as it is exciting, and absolutely guaranteed to become one of your favorite weeknight meals or weekend showstoppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven pieces of cooked chicken with a reddish-brown spice coating sit on a metal mesh grill tray. The chicken pieces are arranged in two rows, with four larger pieces on the left and three smaller pieces on the right. Each piece has a slightly shiny texture from the spice rub and cooking process. The grill tray has a dark metal frame and is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is part of the joy in making this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from giving the chicken its signature flavor to creating that irresistibly creamy garlic sauce. The simplicity of quality ingredients ensures this recipe stays approachable but full of character.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Using cutlets saves prep time and ensures even cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the chicken absorb the marinade flavors.
1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens the marinade with fresh acidity and subtle zest notes.
3 tablespoons fat free chicken stock: Deepens flavor without adding extra fat.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with savory punch and intoxicating aroma.
2 teaspoons cumin: Brings earthy warmth that is essential for shawarma spice.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet layer that elevates the dish.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: Adds a gentle citrusy undertone for complexity.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces subtle sweetness balancing spices perfectly.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
ground pepper to taste: Adds mild heat and depth.
2/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: The base of your garlic sauce, creamy and tangy.
2 garlic cloves, grated: Powers up the garlic sauce with fresh intensity.
1 teaspoon olive oil: Smooths out the garlic sauce texture beautifully.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lends acidity that brightens the sauce.
3-4 tablespoons almond milk or skim milk: Adjusts garlic sauce consistency, keeping it light.
1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper: Seeds the sauce with well-rounded seasoning.
Pita, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, iceberg lettuce: These colorful, fresh accompaniments bring crunch and freshness to your serving.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

The magic begins by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets if they aren’t already cut. This makes them quicker and more even to cook, ensuring juicy results every time. Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon zest and juice, chicken stock, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, kosher salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This fragrant marinade will infuse the chicken with layers of flavor that make shawarma so special.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, fully coat the chicken pieces in it. Make sure every piece is well covered for maximum flavor penetration. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, though leaving it overnight or up to 24 hours makes the flavors even more robust and deeply aromatic.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is soaking up those spices, it’s time to whip up the star sidekick — the garlic sauce. In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and almond or skim milk. Adjust the milk quantity to get that perfect creamy but pourable texture. Finish off with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. This sauce is all about marrying tang, creaminess, and a garlicky punch that complements your shawarma exquisitely. Chill it in the fridge for at least an hour to deepen its flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from marinade and discard the leftover liquid to avoid flare-ups during cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this step helps you get a nice sear, locking in juices. For skillet or grill enthusiasts, heat your pan or grill to medium-high and cook the cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully caramelized and cooked through. If using an air fryer, preheat to 370°F, cook for 5 minutes, flip, then cook another 4-5 minutes. Rest the cooked chicken covered with foil for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white pita wrap filled with layers of grilled chicken pieces, bright red tomato slices, fresh green parsley leaves, and topped with creamy white sauce that slightly drips out of the wrap onto the white marbled surface. Next to the wrap, there is a small glass container filled with more creamy white sauce. Above the wrap, a black plate holds several pieces of grilled chicken, some whole and some sliced, all showing a golden-brown crust with a cooked white interior. The whole setup is placed on a piece of brown paper resting on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make all the difference in turning this dish into an experience. Chopped parsley, thinly sliced tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and crunchy iceberg lettuce add bursts of refreshing color and texture. Sprinkle parsley liberally over the chicken to bring an herbaceous brightness that contrasts with smoky spices. A squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving adds a zingy freshness that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Chicken Shawarma pairs beautifully with fluffy pita bread, which you can use to scoop up slices of the chicken and drizzle of garlic sauce. For a well-rounded plate, consider adding a light Mediterranean salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the marinade and creaminess of the sauce. Fragrant rice pilaf or even crispy fries work wonderfully to complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the classic pita wrap? Try serving the chicken shawarma sliced over a bed of warm couscous or quinoa for a hearty bowl meal. Drizzle the garlic sauce generously over the top and finish with a sprinkle of sumac or a dash of chili flakes if you want a little extra kick. You might also assemble it as a platter with individual components spread out, allowing guests to build their own wraps or bowls — perfect for casual gatherings and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken shawarma keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and garlic sauce stored separately preserves texture and flavor better. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the chicken gently and add fresh garnishes or pita for the best experience.

Freezing

If you want to stash some shawarma for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and freeze the garlic sauce separately in a small container or jar for up to 1 month. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.

Reheating

To bring your leftover chicken shawarma back to life, warm it slowly in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel. This keeps it moist and tender while warming it through. Add fresh garlic sauce and garnishes just before serving to retain maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and juiciness which can make the shawarma even more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking times slightly if the pieces are thicker.

Is the garlic sauce vegan-friendly?

This particular garlic sauce relies on Greek yogurt, so it’s not vegan. However, you can easily swap in dairy-free yogurts and plant-based milks to create a vegan alternative.

How spicy is this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe?

This recipe isn’t very spicy but rather aromatic and savory, with warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika. If you prefer heat, you can add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Can I make the marinade and sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade benefits from sitting for at least 2 hours or overnight, so preparing it early is great. The garlic sauce needs at least an hour to mellow but can be made up to 5 days in advance and kept chilled.

What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?

Serve the chicken sliced with an array of toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and garlic sauce alongside plenty of warm pita for a fun, customizable shawarma bar everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about jazzing up your dinner routine with this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s full of vibrant flavors, easy to make, and perfectly flexible whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish time and time again because it’s as comforting as it is delicious. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!