Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce: 5 Reasons to Savor

Name: Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce: 5 Reasons to Savor
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup tahini; 1 lemon, juiced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; Fresh parsley, for garnish

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 15, 2025

chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavor and a hint of spice that dances on your taste buds. The tender, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that just takes it over the top. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it for days! I remember the first time I made it for friends – the aroma filled the kitchen and their eyes lit up with excitement! It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a fun gathering, and it always brings everyone together around the table. You won’t want to miss out on this deliciousness!

chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up this delicious chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup tahini
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Fresh parsley, for garnish

These ingredients combine to create a symphony of flavors! Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Trust me, it makes the whole process smoother and even more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Preparing chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce is a delightful journey that brings incredible flavors to your kitchen! Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish in just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality shawarma right at home!

Marinating the Chicken

The marination process is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor, so don’t rush it! Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. Now, take your chicken thighs and add them to the marinade, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour. For the best flavor, I suggest letting it sit overnight! The longer it marinates, the more delicious it becomes.

Cooking the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to bring it to life! Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium heat – you want that sizzle! If you’re grilling, lay those thighs down on the grill and let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. If you’re using a skillet, toss them in and cook until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about the same time. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be juicy and no longer pink inside. Once they’re done, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those flavorful juices locked in!

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now for the star of the show – the creamy garlic sauce! In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and mayonnaise until smooth. This is where the magic happens! Feel free to adjust the proportions to your taste; if you love garlic, add a bit more minced garlic to the mix! This sauce should be rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of tartness from the lemon. Once it’s well combined, set it aside to let those flavors meld together while you finish the rest of your dish.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, take a warm pita bread and layer it with the sliced chicken shawarma. Drizzle generously with that creamy garlic sauce, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor! You can also add some fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes for extra crunch. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 3g

This dish is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meal choice. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious shawarma!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just an hour of marinating and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and the creamy garlic sauce creates an unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this chicken shawarma is a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the garlic sauce to your liking for a personal touch.

Tips for Success

To make your chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce truly shine, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the marination step – letting the chicken soak in those spices overnight really deepens the flavor. If you’re short on time, at least aim for that one hour; it still makes a difference!

When cooking, keep an eye on the chicken. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly juicy results. If grilling, avoid pressing down on the chicken with your spatula – that just squeezes out those tasty juices!

Finally, get creative when serving! Consider adding toppings like pickled vegetables or a sprinkle of sumac for an authentic touch. Trust me, these little extras elevate the dish and make it even more special. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for shawarma?
Absolutely! While I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can definitely substitute with chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster, so watch them closely to prevent drying out!

Q2. How can I store leftovers of chicken shawarma?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy garlic sauce can also be stored separately. Just reheat the chicken gently before serving, and it’ll still taste amazing!

Q3. Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The creamy garlic sauce actually tastes even better after it sits for a bit, as the flavors meld together. Just whip it up a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving!

Q4. What can I serve with chicken shawarma?
Chicken shawarma pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice. You could also serve it with a side of hummus and pita for a complete Middle Eastern feast!

Q5. Is this chicken shawarma gluten-free?
Yes! The chicken shawarma itself is gluten-free, especially if you serve it with gluten-free pita bread or on a bed of greens instead. Just be sure to check the labels on sauces and any sides you choose to serve with it!