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Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Bring the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern street food into your kitchen with this easy chicken shawarma recipe. Perfect for meal prep and family dinners, this grilled chicken shawarma features tender, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with a creamy homemade yogurt garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless skinless
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • 4-6 pita bread rounds
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Red onion slices
  • Fresh lettuce

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and pepper).
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Make the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken marinates, prepare your creamy yogurt garlic sauce by combining Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  5. Assemble Your Shawarma Wraps: Warm pita bread rounds briefly on the grill or in the oven. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on each pita. Top with sliced chicken shawarma, fresh vegetables, and additional sauce. Roll tightly and enjoy.

Notes

Marinating Time: Don't rush the marinating process. At least 2 hours allows flavors to penetrate deeply, while overnight marinating creates the most authentic taste. Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs work best for shawarma as they stay moist and flavorful. If using breast meat, reduce cooking time to prevent drying. Sauce Consistency: For a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water or milk. For extra tang, increase the lemon juice.