Name: Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite size chunks; 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 6 cloves garlic, grated (4 cloves for marinade, 2 cloves for sauce); Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 shallots, halved; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or avocado mayo; 1/2 cup mixed herbs (such as mint and dill), chopped; 4 russet potatoes, cut into ¼-inch-thick matchsticks; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 4 cloves garlic, skin on and smashed; Kosher salt, to taste; 2 tablespoons salted butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a dish that promises a burst of vibrant Middle Eastern flavors combined with crispy, buttery comfort, then the Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together perfectly marinated, char-grilled chicken paired with irresistibly golden fries kissed by butter and spice, all elevated by a luscious, tangy garlic sauce. It’s like gathering with friends around a feast where every bite tells a story of warmth, zest, and satisfaction. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with long, thinly sliced pieces of raw potato rooted in light brown skin on some edges, laid out in a single layer on a silver tray. The potato sticks have a golden-yellow spice powder sprinkled over them unevenly, creating a mix of lighter and darker yellowish-brown shades on each piece. Near the bottom left corner of the baking tray, there are several whole and broken garlic cloves and skins scattered loosely. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered garlic skins around it, giving a rustic kitchen feel. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in delivering a rich medley of flavors. From the aromatic spices that infuse the chicken with depth to the golden fries touched by turmeric and butter’s silky finish, every component elevates the dish in taste, texture, and color.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces perfect for juicy, flavorful grilling.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons): The foundation for marinades and herb oil, adding richness and a silky mouthfeel.
Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Infuses a deep smoky warmth without overpowering the natural chicken flavors.
Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Brings earthiness and a subtle nutty undertone classic to shawarma.
Ground turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens both the chicken and fries with vibrant color and a gentle earthiness.
6 cloves garlic, grated: Essential for that signature pungent, aromatic punch in marinade and sauce.
Lemon juice and zest of 1 lemon: Adds acidity and freshness to balance spices beautifully.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just a hint of heat that lingers deliciously.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning anchors every element in harmony.
4 shallots, halved: Grilled to tender sweetness that partners well with the herb oil.
Plain Greek yogurt or avocado mayo (1 cup): The cooling base of the garlic sauce with creamy texture.
Mixed fresh herbs (1/2 cup, such as mint and dill): Freshness that perks up the shallots and adds vibrant green color.
Russet potatoes (4), cut into ¼-inch-thick matchsticks: Perfect for crispy, fluffy golden fries.
Ground cayenne pepper (1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth to the fries without overwhelming.
4 cloves garlic, skin on and smashed: Roasts with the fries to infuse subtle garlic perfume.
Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Takes the fries from good to intoxicatingly rich and golden.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing those tender chicken pieces in a husbandry of spices and olive oil. The paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic, lemon juice, zest, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and pepper collectively transform simple chicken into irresistible shawarma magic. Let it soak in all that flavor for at least 15 minutes, though an overnight rest in the fridge will amp up the depth and tenderness beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare and Bake the Golden Butter Fries

The secret to fries that are crisp on the outside and tender within is layering flavor and technique. Toss russet potato matchsticks in olive oil, turmeric, cayenne, and whole smashed garlic cloves before spreading them evenly on your baking sheets. Baking begins at high heat to initiate crunch, with a thoughtful flip halfway through. Finally, melting butter over the fries before a brief return to the oven crowns them with indulgent, golden richness that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Sauce

While your chicken marinates and fries bake, mix up the creamy garlic sauce that’s absolutely essential. Start with smooth Greek yogurt or avocado mayo, blend in finely grated garlic along with fresh lemon juice, and season it with salt. Taste and adjust the brightness with more lemon if desired. This sauce will be your shawarma’s perfect partner, lending cooling tang to every smoky bite.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Shallots

Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high and skewer the marinated chicken pieces. Tender morsels will sizzle until charred at the edges and cooked through in about 10-12 minutes. If you like, grill shallots alongside for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly softened and caramelized. Alternatively, roasting the chicken for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees works wonderfully when grills aren’t available.

Step 5: Make the Herb Oil

Mix the remaining olive oil with chopped fresh herbs like mint and dill, adding a pinch of salt. Toss grilled shallots gently in this fragrant oil; the herbs elevate the sweetness of the shallots while tying all flavors together with their refreshing notes.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

To enjoy the full spectrum of flavors in this Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe, pile the grilled chicken on plates, drizzle generously with the homemade garlic sauce and herb oil-coated shallots, then add a side of those buttery golden fries. Warm naan bread on the side finishes the feast perfectly by soaking up every last drop.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe

The image shows five grilled meat skewers with a golden brown and charred color, laid on a white marbled surface covered with white parchment paper. The skewers have small pieces of meat stacked closely, each showing dark grill marks, and are topped with fresh green herbs and small dollops of white sauce. Two grilled lemon halves with a deep brown sear and some green leaves are scattered around the skewers. On the right side, there is a white flatbread with a slightly browned, soft texture topped with one skewer resting on it and garnished with green herbs and white sauce. Next to the flatbread is a white bowl filled with white sauce garnished with fresh mint and herbs. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness lives on top of this dish: sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of green and brightness. A drizzle of extra garlic sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the moment just before digging in, making every bite sing with layered flavor.

Side Dishes

Complement this hearty recipe with cooling cucumber and tomato salads, pickled vegetables, or a simple fattoush salad to add crisp textures and tangy contrasts. A scoop of hummus or baba ganoush alongside creates an authentic Middle Eastern spread that’s both colorful and harmonious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken shawarma on warm flatbreads or stuff it into pita pockets with fries and garlic sauce for handheld delight. You can also create a shared platter with all elements laid out allowing everyone to customize their own wraps or bowls — guaranteed to spark joyful conversation around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, pack leftover grilled chicken, fries, and garlic sauce separately into airtight containers. The chicken and fries will keep safely in the fridge for up to three days, preserving much of their flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in portions inside freezer-friendly bags or containers for up to two months. Fries freeze less well texture-wise, so it’s best to enjoy those fresh. Garlic sauce doesn’t freeze well, so plan to make it fresh or store small amounts to avoid waste.

Reheating

To bring back the magic, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness. Reheat fries in the oven or on a skillet to regain crispness rather than the microwave, which makes them soggy. Freshly stir your garlic sauce before serving to revive its creamy charm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because their higher fat content keeps the meat tender and juicy after grilling. Just cut them into bite-size chunks as noted and marinate the same way.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets or portobello mushrooms spiced and grilled similarly. They pair wonderfully with the golden butter fries and garlic sauce, maintaining the dish’s signature flavor profile.

How spicy is the Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne but is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the level of heat by adding more or less according to your taste preferences.

Can I make the garlic sauce dairy-free?

Definitely. Using avocado mayo instead of Greek yogurt makes this sauce dairy-free, keeping it creamy and delicious without losing that essential tangy garlic bite.

What is the best way to reheat the fries without losing crunch?

Reheating fries in a hot oven or skillet works best to restore crisp edges. Avoid microwaving as it turns fries limp and chewy.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce Recipe is a celebration of flavors that’s both approachable and profoundly satisfying. From the mesmerizing spices on the chicken to the golden, buttery fries and the zingy garlic sauce that ties it all together, it’s a meal that invites sharing and savors every moment. Go ahead, make it your next dinner — I promise it’ll bring joy to your table and many happy memories with every bite.