Dinner Recipes

December 28, 2025

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: 7 Delicious Secrets

Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: 7 Delicious Secrets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 pita breads; 1 cup lettuce, shredded; 1 tomato, diced; 1/2 cucumber, sliced

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Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

235 Views • 8 min read

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: 7 Delicious Secrets

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Ah, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce! This dish is like a little slice of heaven wrapped in a pita. The first time I had shawarma was at a bustling food market, and I was instantly hooked. The aroma of those spices dancing in the air was irresistible! It’s a magical blend of cumin, paprika, and turmeric that gives the chicken such depth and warmth. And then there’s that creamy garlic sauce – oh my goodness, it’s the perfect finishing touch that takes every bite to a whole new level! Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll be singing its praises just like I do. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive in and create something truly delicious!

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

For this mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma, you’ll need the following ingredients to bring those bold flavors to life:

1 pound of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender bites. You’ll also want 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep everything juicy and flavorful. For the spices, gather 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to create that warm, aromatic base. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—it’s essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors! And for serving, get 4 pita breads to wrap everything up, along with 1 cup of shredded lettuce for some crunch, a diced tomato for freshness, and 1/2 cucumber, sliced for a refreshing bite. Trust me, these ingredients together will create a shawarma experience you won’t forget!

How to Prepare Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce - detail 1

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious Chicken Shawarma! First, you’ll want to marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the chicken is coated in those glorious spices. I like to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge really amps up the flavor!

Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to get that perfect sear! Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety!

After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy, and trust me, you don’t want to skip this step! Once it’s rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Now, while the chicken is resting, warm up the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute on each side. It makes such a difference! Finally, assemble your shawarma by placing the sliced chicken inside the warm pita and top it off with the shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and cucumber. Wow, just wow! You’re ready to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with flavor from aromatic spices and creamy garlic sauce.
A healthy option, featuring lean protein and fresh veggies.
Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Perfectly customizable to suit any taste with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success with Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your Chicken Shawarma turns out absolutely scrumptious! First off, don’t rush the marinating process. If you can, let that chicken soak in those spices for at least a couple of hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it’ll be—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

When it comes to cooking, make sure your grill or skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A sizzling surface will give you that beautiful sear and keep the juices locked in. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is your best friend—165°F (74°C) is the magic number!

Lastly, feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or some chili powder to the mix. Love garlic? Double up on that garlic powder! Cooking is all about making it your own, so have fun with it!

Variations on Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

One of the best things about Chicken Shawarma is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the spices for a Moroccan twist—think cinnamon, coriander, and a pinch of nutmeg. It adds a delightful warmth that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

You can also experiment with different vegetables. Why not add roasted bell peppers or grilled onions for an extra layer of flavor? They caramelize beautifully and give your shawarma a touch of sweetness!

As for sauces, if you’re a sauce lover like me, consider drizzling some tahini or a spicy harissa sauce for a kick! And if you want to keep it classic, a drizzle of homemade tzatziki adds a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this dish your own!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s talk numbers! This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is not just delicious; it’s also relatively healthy. Each serving, which is one shawarma, comes in at approximately 350 calories. You’ll also be getting 15 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat, and a hearty 25 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. With about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, it strikes a nice balance for a fulfilling meal. Just remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, so feel free to adjust according to your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Got questions about making Chicken Shawarma? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine, but keep in mind it can be a bit drier than thighs. To keep it juicy, just be careful not to overcook it.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover shawarma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the pita separate, so it doesn’t get soggy!

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making the garlic sauce a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have pita bread?
No worries! You can use flatbreads, tortillas, or even lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a low-carb option. Get creative with how you serve it!

How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, try adding some cayenne pepper to the spice mix or serve with a side of spicy sauce. It’ll definitely kick up the flavor!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! First off, make sure to store any leftover Chicken Shawarma in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the chicken from the pita and veggies before storing. This way, the pita stays nice and fresh, and you won’t end up with a soggy mess!

When you’re ready to enjoy your shawarma again, reheating is a breeze. Just pop the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also microwave it for about 30-60 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat it, or it might dry out. For the pita, a quick warm-up on the grill or in a toaster will do the trick! Trust me, a little care goes a long way in keeping your shawarma just as tasty as the first time around!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

When it comes to serving Chicken Shawarma, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a fresh tabbouleh salad—its zesty flavors and crunchy parsley perfectly complement the savory chicken. You could also whip up a side of roasted vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini, which add a delicious sweetness to the meal. And if you’re in the mood for something light, a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice is just the ticket! Don’t forget some extra garlic sauce on the side for dipping; it’s a must-have! Enjoy these pairings for a truly delightful meal experience!

For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of shawarma, visit this The Spruce Eats page.

For a deeper dive into Mediterranean cuisine, check out Medical News Today.

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