Dinner

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: 5 Flavorful Secrets Recipe

Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: 5 Flavorful Secrets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 1 h 26 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix; Salt to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste; Pita bread

ByMatteo Rossi March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish known for its aromatic spices and tender meat. Paired with a creamy garlic sauce, this recipe brings delicious street food right into your kitchen in just 30 minutes.

The image shows a white plate filled with sliced grilled chicken arranged in a neat row. The chicken has a golden brown color with dark grill marks and is topped with a creamy white sauce that has small herbs visible in it. Underneath the chicken slices, there is a layer of bright green leafy kale. To the side, there are a few pieces of orange carrot cut into flower shapes. A piece of flatbread rests at the edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pita bread for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, shawarma spice mix, and salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juices run clear.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice the meat thinly for serving.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create the garlic sauce. Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Serve the sliced chicken wrapped in pita bread, drizzled generously with the garlic sauce.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky flavor, try cooking the chicken over charcoal or add a touch of smoked paprika to the spice mix.
Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
Add fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce inside the pita for a refreshing crunch.
If you don’t have shawarma spice mix, you can make your own with cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave before serving to keep it tender. The garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of sliced grilled chicken breast arranged in a row on a white plate, with a light yellow sauce drizzled generously over the top. The chicken has a browned, slightly charred texture with visible grill marks. Below the chicken is a layer of green leafy lettuce and a thin layer of light beige flatbread peeking out from under the edges. To the right, there are bright orange slices of cooked carrots with a slightly glossy look. The background features a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out. Keep a close eye on cooking time and consider marinating a bit longer to keep them moist and flavorful.

Is shawarma spice mix easy to find or can I make it at home?

Shawarma spice mix is often available at Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make your own blend at home using spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.