Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

A warm and tasty chicken shawarma recipe with creamy garlic sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal or small party.

  • Total Time: 72 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 6 garlic cloves (for garlic sauce)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for garlic sauce)
  • 3/4 cup neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for garlic sauce)
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt or 1–2 tbsp water (optional, for garlic sauce)

Instructions

  1. Mix yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. Add sliced chicken to the bowl. Stir well so the chicken is coated. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  3. To make garlic sauce: crush garlic and salt into a smooth paste. Slowly add oil drop by drop while mixing until it forms a thick emulsion. Stir in lemon juice. If too thick, add a little yogurt or water to thin.
  4. Heat a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Add a little oil. Cook chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
  5. Let chicken rest for 3 minutes, then slice thin if needed.
  6. Warm pita bread if using. Layer chicken, vegetables, and garlic sauce in pita or on a plate.

Notes

Slice chicken thin for fast, even cooking. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Cook in a hot pan for a nice brown crust.

  • Author: mehdilmh
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Paleo

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken, shawarma, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern, quick meal