This easy chicken shawarma is packed with flavor and super simple to make! Juicy chicken is seasoned with warm spices and served in a soft wrap with a creamy garlic sauce. Yum!
I love how the garlic sauce adds a nice kick! It’s the perfect touch that makes every bite feel extra special. 🥙 Plus, you can pile on your favorite veggies! Enjoy making this at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for shawarma due to their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, chicken breasts work too. For a vegetarian option, try using marinated tofu or jackfruit!
Spices: The combination of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon gives this dish its distinct shawarma flavor. If you’re missing one, don’t worry! You can substitute with a pre-made shawarma spice mix.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for both the marinade and the sauce. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work as an alternative, but fresh just tastes better!
Greek Yogurt: This gives the creamy sauce a nice tang. If you need a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt. However, it might change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To achieve juicy, flavorful chicken, marination is crucial. Allowing the chicken to sit in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes lets it absorb all those great flavors. If you can, marinate it longer, up to 2 hours for best results.
- Choose a heavy-duty plastic bag or a bowl for marinating to ensure even coverage.
- Keep the heat at medium-high when cooking, so the chicken sears nicely without drying out. Testing with a meat thermometer helps – it should read 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken!
- A little caramelization adds amazing flavor, so don’t rush the cooking part!
How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced tomatoes
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-8 minutes to cook the chicken. Allow for at least 30 minutes for marination. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavors even more. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour before you can enjoy your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix these together until well combined to form the marinade.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add your thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, tossing it well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will really bring out the flavors!
3. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, whip up the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like, add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra richness. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken slices to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized. You want those beautiful browned bits!
5. Warming the Pita or Flatbread:
While the chicken is cooking, warm your pita bread or flatbreads in a dry pan or oven for just a couple of minutes until they’re soft and pliable.
6. Assembling the Shawarma:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place some of the cooked chicken on the warm bread. Then add sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and a generous drizzle of your creamy garlic sauce. Feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for that final touch!
7. Enjoy!
Roll or fold the bread around the filling and dig in! Your homemade chicken shawarma is ready to enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce! 🥙
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional for shawarma, you can use beef, lamb, or even turkey as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring that all meats reach a safe internal temperature.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just remember that regular yogurt might be a bit thinner, so you may want to use less or include a touch of sour cream for a similar taste and texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Shawarma?
Store any leftover chicken and creamy garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the sauce should be good for about a week. Reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave before serving again.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time! It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving!
