If you have ever wanted to bring the vibrant, aromatic flavors of the Middle East right into your kitchen, this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, spice-packed chicken thighs baked to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with crisp veggies and a luscious, garlicky sauce make for an unforgettable meal. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also comes together with ingredients you probably already have, making this recipe both accessible and impressive for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in how simple ingredients combine to create an extraordinary dish. Each spice and fresh component plays a crucial role—from the smokiness of paprika to the freshness of lemon juice in the garlic sauce—bringing out layers of flavor, vivid color, and delightful texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for staying juicy and tender after baking.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and adds a smooth richness to the spices and sauce.
- Cumin: Brings an earthy warmth essential to authentic shawarma flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Turmeric: Provides a golden hue and subtle, peppery notes.
- Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky aroma even before the sauce goes on.
- Cinnamon: Adds a hint of sweetness and unexpected warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for perfectly balanced seasoning.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the garlic sauce, giving it tang and body.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced to give the sauce a bold, fresh flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Boosts the luscious texture of the sauce for that extra indulgence.
- Pita bread: The classic vessel for wrapping up all those beautiful flavors.
- Fresh vegetables: Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions add crunch, color, and freshness.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready to perfectly bake your chicken. In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper—this fragrant blend will coat your chicken thighs, sealing in flavor and moisture during baking.
Step 2: Coat and Bake the Chicken
Toss the chicken thighs in your spice mixture until each piece is generously coated. Arrange the coated thighs in a baking dish in one layer. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. This is the heart of your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken bakes, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced fresh garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This sauce brings the dish together with its smooth, tangy, and garlicky punch that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Slice and Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest—this keeps it juicy. Then slice the thighs into thin strips that will fit perfectly inside pita bread. Thin slicing makes every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Warm the Pita and Assemble
Warm your pita bread in the oven so it’s soft and pliable—perfect for wrapping. Lay down a generous portion of sliced chicken, add fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, then drizzle your creamy garlic sauce over the top. Wrap it up and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful homemade shawarma experiences.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can elevate your shawarma beautifully. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add a burst of color and an herbal brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken and sauce. A sprinkle of sumac or a dash of chili flakes can bring additional zing if you like it spicy.
Side Dishes
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, such as tabbouleh or fattoush, that features fresh herbs and tangy dressings to cut through the creaminess. For a heartier meal, serve with fragrant rice pilaf or crispy roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this shawarma on a large platter with all the toppings and sauces in bowls so everyone can build their own wraps. Or go for a shawarma bowl by layering the sliced chicken over rice or greens topped with veggies and drizzled in the creamy garlic sauce. Either way, it becomes an interactive and fun meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, store the sliced chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps flavors fresh and textures just right for the next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, sliced chicken in a freezer-safe container, but it’s best to keep the creamy garlic sauce refrigerated and fresh to preserve its texture. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain moisture.
Reheating
Reheat the sliced chicken gently in the oven or on the stove over low heat to keep it tender and juicy. Warm the pita separately so it doesn’t turn soggy. Add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and richer flavor which complements the spices beautifully in this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.
Is it possible to make the garlic sauce vegan?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan mayonnaise to keep the sauce creamy and delicious while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Can I cook the chicken on a grill instead of baking?
Grilling the chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs excellently with the creamy garlic sauce. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
What spices can I add or omit?
The beauty of this recipe is in its spice blend, but you can adjust according to your taste—more paprika for smokiness, extra garlic powder for punch, or skip cinnamon if you prefer less sweetness.
How long does the creamy garlic sauce stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the sauce stays fresh for up to 3 days. Because it contains fresh garlic and dairy, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal flavor and safety.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough that you try this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe soon. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite—comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Once you master this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite go-to for family dinners or impressing friends with a homemade Middle Eastern delight.
Print
Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs baked to perfection and served with a rich, tangy garlic sauce. Ideal for a satisfying meal, it’s complemented by fresh vegetables and warm pita bread, making it a perfect handheld delight for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Mix Spice Blend: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the spice mixture, thoroughly coating each piece to ensure even seasoning.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a baking dish, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Set this aside.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly for serving.
- Warm Pita Bread: Place the pita bread in the oven to warm it up lightly, enhancing its softness and flavor.
- Assemble Shawarma: Lay slices of the baked chicken on each warm pita bread piece.
- Add Vegetables: Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for freshness and crunch.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the toppings to add a tangy, rich flavor.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap the pita bread around the fillings and enjoy your delicious Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken instead of baking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt if needed, but Greek yogurt yields a thicker sauce.
- Adjust the spices to your preferred heat level by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Leftover chicken shawarma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep the pita soft, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds before serving if not warming in the oven.
