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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 1 hour (minimum)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bold, smoky, and dripping with flavor—this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is your next must-try dinner idea. Perfect for anyone craving a quick weeknight meal or wanting to meal prep something truly satisfying. Tender chicken thighs marinated in warm Middle Eastern spices, grilled to juicy perfection, then generously topped with a velvety homemade garlic sauce. Whether served in wraps, over rice, or paired with fresh salads, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality shawarma to your kitchen. Great for quick lunches, easy dinners, or healthy snacks that don’t sacrifice flavor. It’s a cozy, crave-worthy food idea you’ll want again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 12 tbsp water (to thin, as needed)
  • Salt to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken
    In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

  • Make the Garlic Sauce
    In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, white vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Add water as needed for desired consistency. Chill until ready to serve.

  • Cook the Chicken
    Heat a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or grill to medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let rest before slicing or cubing.

  • Assemble and Serve
    Place chicken pieces on a plate or in a bowl. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.