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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

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4.8 from 72 reviews

Juicy chicken thighs, seasoned perfectly with authentic Shawarma spices and bright lemon, are paired with a creamy, quick-whisked garlic sauce. Master this street food classic instantly.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon pre-mixed Shawarma spice blend (or combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 cloves garlic (4 minced for marinade, 2 grated for sauce)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce)
  • 4 large pita breads

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
  2. Step 2: Make the Quick Garlic Sauce
  3. Step 3: Cook the Shawarma
  4. Step 4: Slice and Prepare for Assembly
  5. Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

Notes

  • To ensure truly flavorful and tender shawarma, marinate the chicken thighs for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the lemon and spices to fully penetrate the meat.
  • For the best texture, reheat the sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and always warm the pitas lightly in a dry pan or toaster oven right before serving.
  • While perfect in a pita, try serving this as a bowl over rice or shredded lettuce, topping with fresh diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for brightness.
  • Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep the garlic sauce refrigerated separately, as the mayonnaise or yogurt base will hold better apart from the meat.
  • Author: Kelli Rivers
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American