Dinner

Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Name: Easy Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 600g boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pita breads; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 large tomato, sliced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 3 cloves garlic, finely grated; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt

ByHarper Ellington February 14, 2026February 14, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This easy recipe combines marinated chicken thighs with a creamy garlic sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread for a delicious handheld treat.

Two pita sandwiches sit open on a white plate over a white marbled texture, each filled with layers from bottom to top: green shredded lettuce and thin red onion slices; a generous amount of browned grilled chicken pieces with dark crispy edges; and a drizzle of creamy white sauce poured from a spoon above. The chicken is sprinkled with chopped fresh green parsley. A lemon wedge and a small white bowl of extra sauce are visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

600g boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 pita breads
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, sliced

For Garlic Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise, finely grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest before slicing it thinly.
Step 4: Warm the pita breads briefly. Fill each pita with sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices. Drizzle generously with the garlic sauce.
Step 5: Wrap the pita around the filling and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the garlic sauce for a lighter option.
Add pickled vegetables or thinly sliced cucumbers for more crunch and tang.
Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the shawarma. Avoid reheating the pita bread to prevent sogginess; warm fresh pita when ready to serve.

How to Serve

Two pita pocket sandwiches sit open on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, each filled with layers. The bottom layer is shredded green lettuce mixed with thin slices of red onion and small pieces of tomato. On top, there are thick pieces of grilled chicken with a dark, crispy char and a juicy, golden-brown color. A creamy white sauce with black pepper specks is being poured over the chicken from above. Chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled generously on top of the sauce and chicken. In the background, there is a half lemon and a small bowl of white sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of flavors.

What can I use instead of pita bread?

If you don’t have pita bread, you can use flatbreads, tortillas, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Each will bring a slightly different texture but work well for wrapping the filling.