This Easy Chicken Shawarma is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken is marinated with spices and cooked to perfection, making your taste buds dance. And let’s not forget that creamy garlic sauce—it’s the cherry on top!
I love serving this shawarma with warm pita bread and fresh veggies. It feels like a party in my mouth every time! Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll want to whip it up again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are my favorite for tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, you can also use chicken breasts, but they might be slightly less juicy. For a healthier option, try turkey breast.
Yogurt: I use plain yogurt in the marinade for added creaminess and tang. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt or almond yogurt works great as a substitute!
Spices: The combination of cumin, turmeric, paprika, and other spices gives shawarma its distinctive flavor. If you’re missing any spice, you can swap with something similar—like using curry powder as a substitute for several spices at once.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for a robust flavor in both the chicken and sauce. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh definitely gives a better taste.
How Do You Cook the Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Cooking chicken properly guarantees tender pieces that pack a flavor punch! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your pan: Start with a hot skillet or grill pan to ensure a nice sear. This helps to lock in those juices.
- Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding your pan. Cook in batches to allow each piece to brown nicely—about 4-5 minutes a side is perfect.
- Check for doneness: Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Pickles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Shawarma takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a little extra time for marinating the chicken (at least 1 hour, ideally 3-4 hours or overnight). Cooking the chicken should take around 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal in just about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and the spices are incorporated. This aromatic mix will make your chicken super flavorful!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, tossing it to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. You’ll be amazed at how tasty it gets!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you want, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated chicken slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each batch should cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice charred edge. Remove the cooked chicken and keep it warm while you finish the rest.
4. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and combined. Taste it and adjust the seasonings as necessary—you want it to be creamy and full of garlicky goodness!
5. Assembling Your Shawarma:
Warm the pita bread or flatbreads slightly, then lay one flat. Spread a generous amount of the creamy garlic sauce over it, add your delicious cooked chicken, and sprinkle on the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and pickles if you like. It’s looking good!
6. Serving:
Roll or fold your pita and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce and impress your family or friends with this delightful meal!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey, beef, or even lamb. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted according to the protein you choose, especially for beef or lamb, which may require longer cooking times to reach the proper doneness.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Shawarma?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. The sauce should be stored separately to keep it fresh.
Can I Make the Shawarma Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate the chicken. It’ll save you time and let the flavors meld even more!
What Can I Serve with Chicken Shawarma?
This shawarma is delicious served in pita bread, but you can also pair it with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. Add some roasted vegetables or hummus on the side for a complete meal!
