Few dishes can match the bold, aromatic flavors of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This Middle Eastern classic is a true crowd-pleaser, featuring juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a rich, garlicky sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, shawarma never fails to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying textures.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
There are plenty of reasons to love this dish, but the first has to be its incredible flavor. The marinated chicken is infused with a blend of warm, smoky, and slightly tangy spices that create a taste explosion in every bite. When paired with the cool and creamy garlic sauce, you get a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marination Time: 1 hour (or overnight for best results)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce (Toum):
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced red onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a food processor, blend the garlic and salt until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending to emulsify the mixture. Add the lemon juice and continue blending until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using Greek yogurt, stir it in at the end for an extra rich texture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Skillet Method: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a lined sheet pan for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grill Method: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through.
Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps
Warm the pita bread and layer it with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. Add the sliced chicken on top, then drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, wrap it up, and enjoy!
Ingredient Background
The beauty of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to its irresistible flavor. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the most important components.
First, chicken thighs are the preferred choice for shawarma because of their rich, juicy texture. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs retain moisture better, especially when cooked over high heat. When marinated with yogurt and spices, they absorb deep flavors, making them incredibly tender and aromatic.
Then we have shawarma spices, a blend of warm, earthy flavors. Cumin and coriander add a smoky, citrusy undertone, while turmeric and paprika bring depth and a hint of color. Cinnamon, the secret ingredient, gives the dish a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the other bold flavors. These spices mimic the traditional Middle Eastern spice blend that gives shawarma its signature taste.
Finally, the creamy garlic sauce (toum) is the heart of the dish. This Middle Eastern staple is made with raw garlic, lemon juice, and oil, blended until it forms a silky, pungent sauce. Its strong, garlicky kick perfectly complements the spiced chicken, adding a creamy, tangy contrast that brings everything together. Some variations include yogurt for extra smoothness, but the essential flavors remain the same.
Technique Tips for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Mastering this recipe is easy, but a few expert techniques will take your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce to the next level.
First, marination is key. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. While an hour will work in a pinch, overnight marination allows the yogurt and spices to fully penetrate the meat, making it extra juicy and aromatic. If you’re short on time, at least let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Second, high heat creates the best texture. Whether cooking in a skillet, oven, or grill, using a high temperature ensures a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken. If using a pan, avoid overcrowding to allow proper caramelization. If baking, use a high heat of 400°F (200°C) to replicate the effect of a rotisserie.
Lastly, perfecting the garlic sauce requires patience. Traditional toum is an emulsified sauce, meaning the oil needs to be added slowly while blending. Pouring it too fast can cause the sauce to break. Using a food processor and blending in small increments ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. If the sauce ever turns too thick, a spoonful of ice water can bring it back to the right texture.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
If you love Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce but want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to present this dish in exciting and creative ways.
For a shawarma bowl, serve the sliced chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice with a side of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled turnips, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. A sprinkle of sumac or za’atar adds an authentic touch, making it a well-balanced, hearty meal.
Another fun way to serve shawarma is as a salad. Swap the pita for a crisp bed of romaine lettuce, arugula, or mixed greens. Add the spiced chicken, sliced red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes, then top it off with a drizzle of garlic sauce and a handful of toasted pita chips for crunch. This is a great option for those looking to keep things low-carb while still enjoying all the bold flavors.
For a party-friendly twist, try shawarma sliders. Use mini pita rounds or slider buns and fill them with thinly sliced chicken, lettuce, pickled vegetables, and a spoonful of garlic sauce. These bite-sized sandwiches make for a delicious and unique appetizer that guests will love.
Freezing and Storing Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma is an excellent dish for meal prep, as both the chicken and garlic sauce store well for future use.
For short-term storage, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify over time, making the leftovers even tastier! When reheating, use a pan over medium heat for the best texture, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out.
For long-term freezing, marinate the raw chicken and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can thaw and cook it fresh without losing flavor. If you’ve already cooked the chicken, freeze it in portioned bags for quick meals—just reheat in a pan or oven.
As for the creamy garlic sauce, it’s best used fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you find it thickening over time, whisk in a bit of lemon juice or cold water to bring it back to a pourable consistency.
Healthier Twist Ideas
If you love Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce but want to make it a bit healthier, there are several simple swaps that will keep it just as delicious.
For a leaner version, use chicken breasts instead of thighs. While thighs are more flavorful, breasts offer a lighter option with less fat. To keep them juicy, marinate for at least 4 hours and cook at high heat to prevent drying out.
To reduce calories, swap out the traditional pita for lettuce wraps or whole wheat flatbreads. Lettuce cups add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken, making for a delicious low-carb alternative. Whole wheat pita keeps the dish hearty while adding extra fiber.
For a healthier garlic sauce, replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt. This adds protein and a creamy texture while cutting down on fat. The tangy yogurt also enhances the bright flavors of the garlic and lemon, creating a refreshing variation of the classic toum.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a fantastic dish for all kinds of occasions, from casual family dinners to large gatherings.
For a family dinner, serve the shawarma alongside a platter of hummus, baba ghanoush, and warm pita bread. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad makes it a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re hosting a party, set up a shawarma bar where guests can build their own wraps. Provide different toppings like pickled turnips, fresh herbs, spicy harissa, and feta cheese for a fun, customizable experience. Serve with a side of crispy fries or Middle Eastern rice for the perfect feast.
For a meal prep option, prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in individual containers with rice or quinoa, fresh veggies, and a small container of garlic sauce. This makes for a quick, satisfying lunch that stays fresh for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this without a grill or skillet?
Yes! You can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Can I use store-bought garlic sauce?
While possible, homemade toum is much fresher and more flavorful. Store-bought versions may have preservatives that alter the taste. - What’s the best way to get a charred effect on the chicken?
Cooking in a cast-iron pan or on a high-heat grill will give you the best charring, mimicking the traditional rotisserie-style cooking. - Can I make this with beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Adjust the marinade slightly by adding more cumin and a pinch of allspice to complement the richness of beef or lamb. - How do I keep the garlic sauce from turning bitter?
Use fresh garlic and remove the green sprout inside, which can cause bitterness.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce like a pro! Whether you’re making a quick dinner, preparing a meal for guests, or looking for a satisfying meal-prep dish, this recipe has you covered. Try it out, experiment with different serving styles, and enjoy every flavorful bite!