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Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Fresh, fast, and deeply flavorful, this chicken shawarma delivers bold, restaurant-style flavors ready in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced into strips
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (for marinade)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for marinade)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for sauce)
  • 1 pinch salt (for sauce)
  • Warm pita or flatbreads
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Pickles
  • Chopped parsley
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Rice or salad greens for serving

Instructions

  1. Whisk the marinade: combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon (if using), the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken strips to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
  2. Make the garlic sauce: mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill until ready to serve.
  3. Cook the chicken: heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Work in batches if needed.
  4. Rest & slice: let cooked chicken rest for 2–3 minutes; slice any larger pieces into thinner strips.
  5. Build plates/wraps: warm pita or flatbread, add chicken, drizzle with garlic sauce, and top with tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, onions, and parsley. Serve immediately with rice or greens if desired.

Notes

Marinade can be prepared 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. Keep garlic sauce cool in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Options

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken shawarma, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern, quick dinner, meal prep