Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for a delicious, satisfying meal. It features tender chicken thigh fillets marinated in an earthy blend of spices and yogurt, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a creamy yogurt-garlic sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread and accompanied by fresh vegetables, this dish brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table with minimal effort.
You’ll love this recipe because it balances the bold, smoky spices of the marinade with the cool, tangy creaminess of the garlic sauce. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with complex flavors, while the garlic sauce complements the grilled meat beautifully, adding zest and richness. This recipe is straightforward, versatile, and perfect for entertaining or everyday dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken thigh fillets
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons allspice powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Yogurt-Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sriracha sauce for spice (optional)
To Serve:
- 8 pieces pita bread or soft tortillas
- 3 cups lettuce
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients until well blended. Add chicken thigh fillets and toss to coat completely. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
Make the yogurt-garlic sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients. Divide if desired, adding sriracha to one part for a spicy option. Refrigerate until ready to use or transfer to a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.
Grill the chicken thighs on a griddle pan or over charcoal. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until charred, then turn and grill for 3-4 minutes until evenly cooked. Alternatively, oven roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, finishing under the broiler to char the edges.
Transfer grilled chicken to a covered serving dish and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips and return to the dish.
Warm pita bread or tortillas, then stuff with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and chicken. Drizzle with yogurt-garlic sauce, fold, and wrap for a delicious meal.
My Best Tips for Success
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Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
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Use fresh garlic and lemon juice in the sauce to brighten flavors.
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Ensure grilling surface is hot for proper char and flavor development.
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Warm the pita before stuffing to keep it flexible.
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Adjust sauce spice level with sriracha to suit taste.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Sub chicken thighs with breast for a leaner version.
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Add fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a fresh touch.
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Include pickled vegetables or crunchy cucumbers inside the wrap.
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Use a tahini-based sauce instead of yogurt for a different flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate chicken for?
Marinate for at least 1 hour; overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes, roasting in the oven at 425°F for 30 minutes works well, with optional broiling at the end.
Is yogurt-garlic sauce necessary?
While optional, it adds a refreshing creaminess that complements the spices perfectly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo alternatives for a dairy-free recipe.
What can I serve with chicken shawarma?
Great with fresh pita, salads, pickles, or rice pilaf.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Flavorful marinated chicken thighs grilled to tender, smoky perfection, paired with creamy yogurt-garlic sauce and wrapped in warm pita bread for a satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
2 lbs chicken thigh fillets
2 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp allspice powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup plain or Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2–3 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
Yogurt-Garlic Sauce
1 cup plain or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: sriracha sauce for spice
To Serve
8 pita breads or soft tortillas
3 cups chopped lettuce
1 large red onion, sliced
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
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Marinate chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and all spices. Mix well, then add chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
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Prepare sauce: In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For a spicy version, stir in sriracha. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Cook chicken: Grill chicken on a griddle or outdoor grill for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked. Alternatively, roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes for added char.
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Rest and slice: Transfer cooked chicken to a covered dish, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
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Assemble wraps: Warm pita bread and layer with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with yogurt‑garlic sauce and wrap tightly. Serve fresh and warm.
Notes
Marinate overnight for best flavor.
Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for vibrant sauce.
Grilling over charcoal adds authentic smoky taste.
Warm pita for softness.
Adjust seasoning and spice levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Wraps
- Method: Grilling or Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: chicken shawarma recipe, grilled chicken pita, yogurt garlic sauce, middle eastern wraps, creamy shawarma sauce
