Few dishes are as flavorful and satisfying as Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe. This iconic Middle Eastern food combines warmly spiced, juicy chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s bold, rich, and unforgettable. Traditionally cooked on a rotating spit, shawarma can easily be recreated at home using simple techniques while still delivering authentic taste.
Whether you’re making wraps, bowls, or plates, this shawarma chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends.
Why Chicken Shawarma Is So Popular
Chicken shawarma stands out because of its deep, layered flavor. The chicken is marinated in spices, garlic, and citrus, then cooked until tender with crispy edges. This cooking style creates juicy, well-seasoned meat that pairs perfectly with sauces and fresh toppings.
Unlike heavier chicken dishes such as chicken fried chicken or creamy casseroles, shawarma feels balanced and fresh while still being hearty. That’s why it has become a global favorite and a staple in many home kitchens.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Shawarma
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breast boneless
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Chicken Shawarma
- In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.
- Add chicken and toss until fully coated.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until cooked and lightly charred.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Garlic Sauce
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- How to Serve
- Serve in pita or flatbread with vegetables
- Build a chicken shawarma bowl with rice and salad
- Drizzle extra creamy garlic sauce on top
- Pair with fries or roasted potatoes
Notes
The Marinade: Where the Magic Begins
The key to great shawarma chicken is the marinade. A blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and warm spices infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderness. This method creates juicy meat that’s flavorful all the way through—very different from plain grilled chicken.
This marinating technique shares similarities with other comforting chicken recipes, from slow-cooked dishes to creamy classics, but with a lighter, spice-forward profile that defines shawarma.
Creamy Garlic Sauce: The Perfect Pair
No Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is complete without a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Often known as toum, this sauce is bold, smooth, and intensely garlicky. It’s the element that takes shawarma from good to unforgettable.
While different from garlic parmesan sauce or an alfredo sauce recipe, this garlic sauce delivers creaminess without heaviness. It’s made with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and yogurt or egg whites, creating a silky texture that balances the spiced chicken beautifully.
This sauce also works well as a dip, spread, or drizzle over bowls and wraps.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma at Home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and shawarma spices. Coat chicken thoroughly and marinate for several hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Roast, grill, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until cooked through and lightly charred. Slice thinly for authentic texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
Blend garlic, lemon juice, and oil until creamy. Add yogurt if desired for a smoother, milder version.
Step 4: Assemble
Serve the chicken in wraps, bowls, or plates with garlic sauce and toppings.
This process keeps the recipe approachable while preserving traditional flavor.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl: A Modern Favorite
One of the most popular ways to serve shawarma today is as a chicken shawarma bowl. Layer rice or grains with sliced shawarma chicken, vegetables, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for balanced eating.
This format also makes it easy to adapt the recipe to different preferences, much like how leftover chicken is used in dishes such as a chicken salad recipe or comfort classics like chicken pot pie recipe.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Chicken shawarma is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
Wrapped in flatbread or pita
Over rice with vegetables
As a salad topping
In a shawarma bowl
With fries or roasted potatoes
It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces. You can even present it alongside other global dishes for a fusion-style meal—shawarma’s bold flavors hold their own.
Tips for the Best Shawarma Chicken
Marinate for at least 4 hours for maximum flavor
Use chicken thighs for juicier results
Cook at high heat to get crispy edges
Slice thinly against the grain
Don’t skip the garlic sauce—it’s essential
These tips help ensure restaurant-quality results every time.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyday Cooking
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe fits seamlessly into busy schedules. It can be prepped ahead, cooked in batches, and used throughout the week in different meals. That flexibility makes it a favorite for families and meal planners alike.
It’s also a great introduction to Middle Eastern food, offering bold flavor without complicated techniques.
A Global Dish with Endless Appeal
From street food stalls to home kitchens, shawarma chicken continues to win hearts worldwide. Its balance of spices, creaminess, and freshness makes it universally loved—much like sushi or other globally popular foods.
This recipe brings those flavors home, letting you enjoy authentic shawarma whenever the craving strikes.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is a flavorful, satisfying dish that proves homemade Middle Eastern food can be both easy and impressive. With juicy, spiced chicken and creamy garlic sauce, it delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Whether you serve it as wraps, bowls, or plates, this shawarma chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
