When rich spices meet tender chicken and creamy garlic sauce, the result is nothing short of irresistible. This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce–Easy Mediterranean Recipe makes it simple to enjoy a flavor-packed Middle Eastern dish from the comfort of your kitchen. Inspired by traditional shawarma stands, this version is skillet-friendly and doesn’t require special tools or a rotisserie. Just real ingredients, bold seasoning, and a sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
This meal has become a favorite for casual dinners and weekend gatherings, where everyone builds their own wraps, adding their favorite toppings and a generous spoon of garlic sauce. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shawarma delivers bold flavor without complicated steps. The chicken is marinated in warm, earthy spices and yogurt, making it tender and juicy. The garlic sauce is rich, creamy, and made with ingredients you likely already have. Whether served in a flatbread, over rice, or on a platter, this recipe offers a complete and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Shawarma Marinade
2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
These are ideal for shawarma due to their tenderness and ability to stay juicy when cooked over high heat.
1 tbsp Ground Cumin
Adds deep, warm flavor that forms the foundation of the shawarma spice blend.
1 tbsp Ground Coriander
Lends a slightly citrusy note that brightens the marinade.
1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
Brings a mild smokiness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
1 tbsp Ground Turmeric
Provides a vibrant color and subtle bitterness that complements the other spices.
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
A small amount adds a touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
1 tsp Ground Allspice
Delivers a rich, complex flavor similar to a mix of cloves and nutmeg.
4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
Fresh garlic infuses the meat with robust, savory notes.
Juice of 1 Lemon
Adds acidity that helps tenderize the chicken and lift the flavors.
1/4 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
Acts as a base for the marinade and helps lock in moisture.
3 tbsp Olive Oil
Assists in creating a golden sear during cooking while enhancing the marinade.
Salt and Pepper, To Taste
Essential to balance and enhance the flavor of the spices.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
A creamy base with a slight tang that makes the sauce rich but refreshing.
4 Garlic Cloves, Finely Minced
Adds bold, sharp flavor that defines the sauce.
2 tbsp Tahini
Creates a smooth texture and nutty undertone.
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Brightens the sauce and complements the richness.
Salt, To Taste
Season as needed to bring all the ingredients together.
Optional for Serving
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Thinly sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions
- Pickles or pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley or chopped cilantro
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
The secret to great shawarma is in the marinade. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean spices and allowed to rest, giving time for the flavors to soak in. After that, it’s seared until golden and sliced into thin strips. The garlic sauce comes together in a bowl with just a few stirs and makes the perfect creamy complement to the spiced meat. Once everything is ready, you can assemble wraps, bowls, or plates exactly how you like them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, minced garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat well. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed. Place the marinated chicken into the pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 5: Build Your Wraps
Warm up the flatbread or pita. Add sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, pickles, and herbs. Top generously with the garlic sauce. Wrap and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Chicken thighs offer the best texture and flavor for this dish, staying moist and tender. Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in the juices. You can prepare the marinade a day ahead to deepen the flavor. For extra spice, a small pinch of cayenne in the marinade works well.
Flavor and Serving Details
Flavor: rich, spiced, and creamy with a tangy finish
Texture: juicy chicken with a golden crust, smooth garlic sauce
Best for: wraps, bowls, or a simple Mediterranean dinner plate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour or more
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Notes and Variations
For a different take, you can swap chicken for lamb or beef strips. To make the dish dairy-free, use a non-dairy yogurt alternative. The garlic sauce also works well as a dip for vegetables or a spread for sandwiches.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What spices are usually found in chicken shawarma?
The most common are cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and allspice.
Can I make shawarma at home without a special grill?
Yes, a stovetop skillet or grill pan works well for cooking shawarma.
What’s in the garlic sauce for this dish?
It includes Greek yogurt, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt.
Which part of the chicken should I use?
Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Leftover chicken and garlic sauce should be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken stays good for up to four days, and the sauce for about five. Reheat the chicken in a pan before serving. The sauce is best served cold. You can freeze the cooked chicken, but the garlic sauce should not be frozen.
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce | Easy Mediterranean Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Tender spiced chicken cooked to perfection and paired with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. A Mediterranean favorite made easy at home.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Greek yogurt
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients.
2. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for 1 hour.
3. Heat skillet, cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side.
4. Let rest, then slice into strips.
5. Combine yogurt, garlic, tahini, lemon, and salt for sauce.
6. Warm pita, layer chicken, veggies, and sauce. Serve.
Notes
Use cayenne in marinade for heat.
Try lamb or beef instead of chicken.
Garlic sauce doubles as dip or dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 32g
Conclusion
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce–Easy Mediterranean Recipe brings together vibrant spices and creamy sauce in a way that’s simple to make and hard to forget. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just craving something new, this recipe brings Middle Eastern flair right to your table. Give it a try and enjoy the richness of homemade shawarma with every bite.