Go Back
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce (Easy Recipe)

Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 pieces pita bread (or flatbread)
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • 1 small cucumber sliced
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for the best flavor.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a cast iron skillet, heat it over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  • Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board.
  • Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.
  • After resting, slice the chicken thighs thinly against the grain into strips.
  • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic cloves, lemon juice, and salt.
  • Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a tiny splash of water or more lemon juice.
  • Warm the pita bread slightly, either on the grill, in a dry skillet, or in the microwave, until soft and pliable.
  • Lay a warm pita bread on a clean surface.
  • Spread a generous amount of the creamy garlic sauce down the center of the pita.
  • Arrange a layer of shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion over the sauce.
  • Pile a good portion of the thinly sliced chicken shawarma on top of the vegetables.
  • Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
  • Carefully roll up the pita tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to create a secure wrap. Serve immediately.