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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Juicy, spice‑marinated chicken cooked to tender perfection, wrapped in warm pita and drizzled with a rich, creamy garlic sauce—a flavorful Middle Eastern classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced thinly
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • — For assembly —
  • 4 pita breads or flatbreads
  • Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion
  • Chopped lettuce or fresh parsley
  • Pickles or turnips (optional)
  • — For Creamy Garlic Sauce —
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, chili (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. Add chicken slices, toss to coat, and marinate for 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) in refrigerator.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the sauce; refrigerate until serving.
  4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium‑high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  5. Warm pitas in oven or on pan until pliable.
  6. Slice cooked chicken as needed and assemble: spread creamy garlic sauce on pita, add chicken, veggies, pickles, and extra sauce.
  7. Roll or fold pita, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinate longer (up to 8 h) for deeper flavor.
  • For crispy edges, broil the chicken briefly after pan‑searing.
  • Halal diners can use halal‑certified chicken.
  • Sauce can be made ahead and stored up to 2 days in fridge.
  • Serve with hummus, tabbouleh, or fries for a full spread.

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