7-Step Irresistible Garlic Chicken Shawarma Recipe You’ll Crave

If you’ve ever craved the bold, aromatic flavors of street-style shawarma, this Garlic Chicken Shawarma recipe brings that magic straight to your home kitchen. Bursting with warm spices, juicy marinated chicken, and a rich, garlicky sauce, this dish checks every box—easy to make, high in protein, and layered with authentic flavor.

Whether you’re new to chicken shawarma spices or have been making Greek recipes chicken style for years, this version balances tradition and convenience beautifully. Made with a yogurt-based marinade, it’s a shining example of the best chicken yogurt recipes and a go-to shawarma recipe chicken lovers won’t want to miss.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Recipe Authentic to Its Roots

What sets this dish apart? It’s all about authenticity and ease. The flavorful marinade uses classic Middle Eastern ingredients—think cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and lemon—while the creamy Mediterranean sauce for chicken ties it all together with a satisfying, zesty finish.

This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a bold, protein-packed meal; an easy shawarma chicken recipe that’s weeknight-friendly; authentic flavors with minimal fuss; or a satisfying homemade alternative to takeout. Plus, it pairs beautifully with soft pita, rice, or crisp salads—making it a versatile addition to your regular rotation. Looking for more globally inspired chicken dishes? Try this Chicken Kiev Pasta Bake for another savory, comfort-food classic.

Who This Easy Shawarma Chicken Recipe Is Perfect For

Busy home cooks wanting quick, flavorful meals
Fans of Middle Eastern or Greek chicken recipes
Health-conscious eaters looking for chicken yogurt recipes that don’t skimp on taste
Meal preppers looking for something that stores and reheats beautifully
Families needing flavorful protein that pairs with various sides

Whether you’re planning a relaxed weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for the weekend, this garlic chicken shawarma delivers every time.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Shawarma

To make this dish, you’ll need a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2–3 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste

This combination results in one of the most aromatic and tender shawarma recipe chicken versions you can make at home.

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Shawarma Spices Blend

The heart of any great garlic chicken shawarma is its spice mix. Here’s how to achieve the perfect balance:

Cumin provides an earthy and warm base.
Paprika adds smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
Coriander gives a slightly citrusy note that complements the lemon.
Turmeric provides that classic golden hue.
Cinnamon delivers a soft, warm sweetness that ties all the flavors together.

Mix your spices in advance for even seasoning and time-saving prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Garlic Chicken Shawarma at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Rest and Slice
Remove the chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain for juicy, tender pieces.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Sauce
Whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve
Layer the sliced chicken into pita bread or over rice, drizzle with garlic sauce, and add your favorite toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, or lettuce.

Need another flavor-packed protein option? Don’t miss these Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes—a comforting and hearty choice.

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The Best Mediterranean Sauce for Chicken Shawarma

This simple Mediterranean sauce for chicken blends garlic, lemon juice, and yogurt or mayo into a creamy, bold topping. It’s the perfect contrast to the warm spices in the shawarma and doubles as a dip for veggies or fries. For extra depth, you can also add a pinch of sumac or za’atar, fresh parsley or dill, or a swirl of tahini.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Greek-Inspired Chicken Recipe

You don’t need special equipment to make this easy shawarma chicken recipe—just a few basics:

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Sharp knife
Skillet or grill pan
Tongs
Cutting board

With these tools, you’re just minutes away from an impressive, restaurant-worthy dish.

Top Tips for Seasoning Chicken Like a Pro

Use dark meat (chicken thighs) for extra moisture and flavor
Marinate overnight for deep flavor penetration
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for a nice char
Rest the meat before slicing to lock in juices
Add lemon juice last to prevent bitterness during cooking

Properly seasoned chicken is the foundation of every great shawarma recipe chicken dish.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Skipping the marinade time leads to bland results
Using low-fat yogurt can make the marinade too runny
Overcooking the chicken dries it out—use a thermometer
Not slicing against the grain makes the meat chewy
Storing sauce and chicken together ruins texture—keep separate

Avoid these mistakes and you’ll master garlic chicken shawarma in no time.

Serving Ideas and Sides to Complete Your Shawarma Plate

Round out your meal with warm pita or naan, rice pilaf or quinoa, fresh cucumber-tomato salad, hummus or baba ghanoush, and pickled onions or turnips. For a refreshing pairing, try these vibrant Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad—a sweet and salty twist that complements the spices perfectly.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Shawarma Chicken

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out.
Freeze marinated raw chicken in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

The sauce should be stored separately and used within 3 days.

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FAQs: Chicken Yogurt Recipes, Marinades, and Cooking Tips

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may be drier. Brining first or not overcooking will help.

Is the garlic sauce spicy?
Not usually, but you can add cayenne or chili for heat.

Can I grill this outdoors?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side.

Is this dish gluten-free?
The chicken and sauce are gluten-free. Use GF pita or serve over rice to keep it that way.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap yogurt with non-dairy alternatives like coconut yogurt.

Final Thoughts on This Garlic Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This garlic chicken shawarma is everything you want in a dinner recipe: juicy, spicy, creamy, and completely satisfying. With a prep time of just minutes and a marinade that transforms simple chicken into a Mediterranean feast, it’s a must-try for anyone craving big flavor with minimal effort. Looking for a similar flavor journey? Try this Coconut Lime Fish Soup—a tropical, tangy bowl that’s full of comfort and spice.

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