If you’ve ever wanted to bring the magic of Middle Eastern street food right into your kitchen, then this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with warm spices, tender marinated chicken, and a luscious garlic sauce that ties everything together, this dish is both comforting and delightfully fresh. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and utterly irresistible once it hits your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven pieces of seasoned cooked chicken placed on a metal grid tray. Each piece is covered in a shiny, reddish-brown spice coating with visible small bits of seasoning. The chicken pieces are arranged in two rows with four pieces on top and three pieces below, evenly spaced. The metal tray has a black grid pattern, and the surface under it is a white marbled texture. The chicken looks moist with a slightly crispy texture on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a vital role, from the spices that add warmth and aroma to the creamy garlic sauce that offers a cooling balance to the richly seasoned chicken.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Use cutlets if you want to save prep time; they cook evenly and absorb marinade beautifully.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the chicken stay moist and develops a lovely char when cooked.
1 lemon, zested and juiced: Adds brightness and tenderizes the meat with its natural acidity.
3 tablespoons fat-free chicken stock: Deepens the marinade’s flavor without adding fat.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a robust, savory punch into the marinade.
2 teaspoons cumin: Brings earthiness and warmth essential to shawarma’s signature profile.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and a rich red hue.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: Adds a citrusy undertone that lightens the spice blend.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A small pinch gives unexpected depth and warmth.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Ground pepper to taste: Adds just a little heat.
2/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: The base of the garlic sauce, creamy and tangy without being heavy.
2 garlic cloves, grated: Packs the sauce with a vibrant garlicky kick.
1 teaspoon olive oil: Smooths the sauce and adds richness.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings fresh acidity that wakes up the garlic sauce.
3-4 tablespoons almond milk or skim milk: Adjusts the sauce’s consistency to silky perfection.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper: Balances and seasons the sauce just right.
Optional – pita, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, iceberg lettuce: Fresh veggies and soft bread to complete your shawarma experience.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they aren’t already cutlets. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients—olive oil, lemon zest and juice, chicken stock, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in this aromatic mixture until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally up to 24 hours if you can wait—the longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will infuse.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is resting in the fridge, prepare the garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, almond or skim milk, salt, and pepper. Adjust the milk quantity until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Pop the sauce in the refrigerator for at least one hour; it tastes even better after some time to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels — this helps them sear up nicely and prevents steaming. You can cook the chicken by grilling, pan-searing, or air frying. For grilling or skillet cooking, heat to medium-high and cook the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until nicely charred and cooked through. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat to 370°F and cook the chicken for 5 minutes, then flip and continue for another 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest covered with foil for 5 minutes to keep it juicy and tender.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Two pita wraps are placed side by side on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each pita wrap has several layers starting with a soft light beige pita bread that folds around the fillings. Inside, there are golden brown grilled chicken pieces layered with bright red tomato wedges, pale green pickle slices, and thin slivers of white onion. A dollop of white creamy sauce is spread near the bottom inside the wraps and topped with chopped green herbs. In the background, a white bowl holds more white sauce with a spoon, and two glass bowls contain green pickles and tomato slices. Some chopped green herbs are scattered on the plate and surface around the wraps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing elevates Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe more than fresh, vibrant garnishes. Crisp iceberg lettuce adds crunch, while juicy tomatoes and cucumber slices bring refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley not only pops with color but also adds an herby brightness that complements the bold spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serving this shawarma with warm pita bread turns every bite into a handheld delight. You can also pair it with a simple salad or fluffy rice pilaf to soak up extra garlic sauce. Grilled vegetables or pickled turnips offer a delightful tang and texture that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try creating shawarma bowls by layering thin-sliced chicken over a bed of greens, then drizzling generously with garlic sauce. Add roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra dimension. Wrapping it all up in a flatbread roll or even stuffing it into a pita pocket with your favorite fresh veggies turns this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe into a portable feast perfect for lunches or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and garlic sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken covered well to maintain its moisture, and the garlic sauce chilled to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken shawarma for up to 2 months. Slice the chicken into portions, wrap tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze. It’s best to freeze the garlic sauce separately in a small container, though it may change texture slightly after thawing.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through — avoid overheating to keep it juicy. Stir the garlic sauce well before serving; if it thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of almond or regular milk to loosen it up for that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked but still tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not overly spicy. The warmth comes from spices like cumin and smoked paprika, but you can add chili powder or cayenne if you want a bit more heat.

Can I make the garlic sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use plant-based milk to keep it creamy while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 2 hours is essential, but if you have time, up to 24 hours is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.

What’s the best way to serve chicken shawarma for a party?

Set up a DIY shawarma station with pita, garlic sauce, fresh veggies, and toppings so guests can build their own wraps. It’s fun, interactive, and ensures everyone gets exactly what they like.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe is a beautiful balance of bold spices, juicy chicken, and a dreamy garlic sauce that will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile, it invites you to explore a taste of the Middle East without leaving your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so spectacular!

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe