This Easy Chicken Shawarma is packed with flavor and simple to make! Juicy chicken is seasoned with warm spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce that adds a tasty twist.
I love to wrap this shawarma in some warm pita with fresh veggies. It’s like a party in your mouth! Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy results, but you can swap them with chicken breasts if you prefer. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, grilled tofu or chickpeas seasoned with shawarma spices work great!
Spices: The blend of spices elevates the chicken. If you don’t have all the spices on hand, try a store-bought shawarma spice blend. You can also skip the cayenne pepper if you want to keep it mild.
Greek Yogurt: For the creamy garlic sauce, Greek yogurt gives a nice tangy taste. Plain yogurt or sour cream are good substitutes, though they will alter the flavor slightly. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt!
How Do I Make the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is crucial! The longer you marinate, the more flavorful it will be. At least 1 hour is good, but if you can let it marinate for up to 4 hours or even overnight, you’ll get an even better flavor.
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add your chicken and make sure it’s well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate—it’s best to let it soak up those flavors for at least an hour.
Also, cooking the chicken on medium-high heat helps get those nice charred edges, which adds a lot to the dish! Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve (Optional):
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers
- Tomato slices
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Pickles
- Sliced red onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 1 hour for marinating. You can let the chicken marinate up to 4 hours for even better flavor. Cooking will take about 15 minutes. So, you can have delicious chicken shawarma ready in under 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shawarma Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. This aromatic marinade is key to delicious shawarma!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but up to 4 hours is best for flavor.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Rest the Chicken:
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
6. Assemble the Shawarma:
Warm the pita or flatbreads. Place a portion of the cooked chicken on each pita, and add sliced cucumbers, tomato slices, red onions, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Roll up the pita tightly and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful and easy homemade chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce!
Bon Appétit! 😊
FAQs for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be sure to slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly. For a plant-based version, consider using marinated tofu or chickpeas instead!
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour is ideal, but if you have more time, try to marinate it for up to 4 hours or even overnight. This will enhance the flavor significantly!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain regular yogurt or sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, while the sauce will last about a week. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or in a microwave before serving!
