How long should I marinate the chicken?

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination is highly recommended for deeper, richer flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a leaner alternative and work well with the marinade. Monitor the cooking time, as breasts tend to cook faster.

How can I make the garlic sauce vegan?

Use dairy-free yogurt and replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly garlic sauce.

What are the best ways to cook the chicken?

Grill for authentic smoky flavor, bake for an easy hands-off method, or pan-sear for a quick, flavorful option. All techniques yield delicious results!

What sides pair well with chicken shawarma?

Serve with warm pita bread, pickled turnips, cucumbers, or diced tomatoes. Hummus, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables are also excellent accompaniments.

Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

Transform your dinner with this quick and flavorful chicken shawarma, bursting with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Marinate tender chicken thighs for rich flavor, then choose your preferred cooking method—grill for smoky char, roast for crispy edges, or pan-sear for golden perfection. Pair it with creamy garlic sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and minced garlic for a tangy finish. Serve on warm pita with fresh parsley and optional pickled veggies to create a satisfying wrap that’s perfect for any occasion.

Pin Share Send Print Go to Recipe

By Fatiha Fatiha

Last updated Mon, 19 May 2025 16:09:24 GMT

A plate of food with a white sauce on top. | zestplate.com

This hearty chicken shawarma has been my weeknight dinner savior for years, bringing the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern street food right to my kitchen table. The aromatic spices create a mouthwatering blend that transforms simple chicken thighs into something truly special, while the cooling garlic sauce adds the perfect creamy counterpoint.

I first started making shawarma after a memorable trip to a Lebanese restaurant in college. The owner shared his secret of overnight marinating, and now my kids request "that chicken wrap thing" at least once a week.

Ingredients

How To Make Chicken Shawarma

A bowl of food with chicken, sauce, and vegetables. | zestplate.com

Turmeric is my secret weapon in this recipe. Beyond its health benefits, it gives the shawarma that distinctive golden hue that makes everyone at the table say "wow" before they even take a bite. My husband actually proposed the week after I first made this dish for him, though he claims that's just a happy coincidence.

Storage and Meal Prep

A plate of meat with a side of cucumbers. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

The Cultural Significance

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination is highly recommended for deeper, richer flavor.
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a leaner alternative and work well with the marinade. Monitor the cooking time, as breasts tend to cook faster.
→ How can I make the garlic sauce vegan?: Use dairy-free yogurt and replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly garlic sauce.
→ What are the best ways to cook the chicken?: Grill for authentic smoky flavor, bake for an easy hands-off method, or pan-sear for a quick, flavorful option. All techniques yield delicious results!
→ What sides pair well with chicken shawarma?: Serve with warm pita bread, pickled turnips, cucumbers, or diced tomatoes. Hummus, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables are also excellent accompaniments.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Spiced chicken shawarma with garlic sauce, warm flatbread, and fresh garnishes.

Preparation Time

15 min

Cooking Time

25 min

Total Duration

40 min

By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Output: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Shawarma

01 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

02 3 tablespoons olive oil

03 2 teaspoons ground cumin

04 2 teaspoons ground paprika

05 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

07 4 garlic cloves, minced

08 1 tablespoon lemon juice

09 Salt and pepper, to taste

10 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Creamy Garlic Sauce

11 ½ cup Greek yogurt

12 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

13 1 tablespoon lemon juice

14 3 garlic cloves, minced

15 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish and Serving

16 ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

17 Warm pita bread or flatbread

18 Sliced cucumbers (optional)

19 Diced tomatoes (optional)

20 Pickled turnips (optional)

Directions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Place chicken thighs into a resealable bag or shallow dish and coat them with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.

Step 02

Chop parsley for garnish and prepare vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes. Warm pita bread or flatbread before serving. Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet based on your preferred cooking method.

Step 03

Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slight charring adds smoky flavor.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway, until cooked through. For crispy edges, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Step 05

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 2 additional minutes to retain moisture.

Step 06

Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky note. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Step 07

Slice cooked chicken and layer onto warm pita bread with garlic sauce, parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled turnips as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Cooking methods like grilling, baking, or pan-searing provide versatility based on available equipment.

Required Equipment

Mixing bowl
Resealable bag or shallow dish
Grill pan, oven, or skillet
Parchment paper (for baking method)
Whisk

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, mayonnaise).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.

Calories: 320
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Protein: 25 g