Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your home. The juicy, tender chicken is marinated in a mix of warm spices and yogurt, then served with a luscious, tangy garlic sauce that elevates each bite. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or for impressing guests at gatherings, whether served in wraps, bowls, or salads. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering experience!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy
This Creamy Chicken Shawarma Recipe has several benefits that make it a favorite:
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Enjoy it in wraps, salads, or bowls.
- Packed with flavor thanks to a savory marinade.
- Healthy option with lean chicken and yogurt-based sauce.
- Customizable with your choice of vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Plus, this dish is gluten-free and offers a unique twist on traditional shawarma by incorporating a Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce that is sure to please.
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Creamy
Gather these items:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for sauce and garnish)
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Optional fresh veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Optional pickled vegetables (pickled turnips or cucumbers)
How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix until creamy.
- Step 4: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices, then slice thinly. Serve wrapped in warm pita or flatbreads with fresh veggies and creamy garlic sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma with Creamy
Keep these in mind:
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to penetrate.
- Customize with your choice of vegetables for added crunch and nutrition.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Grilling gives a great smoky flavor, but pan-frying is equally delicious.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy
Here are a few ideas:
- Wrap in pita bread with fresh veggies for a classic shawarma.
- Serve over a bed of greens as a salad with Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Yogurt Sauce.
- Pair with a side of creamy hummus for a delightful contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Shawarma with Creamy
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This method helps maintain the chicken’s juiciness while avoiding a dry texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Shawarma with Creamy
What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Shawarma with Creamy?
The secret lies in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. A well-balanced mix of spices and a good amount of marinating time ensures tender, juicy results.
Can I make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just cook it fresh before serving to retain its juicy texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Shawarma with Creamy?
Common mistakes include not marinating long enough and overcrowding the pan while cooking. Both can lead to dry chicken. Ensure enough space for even cooking for the best results.
Variations of Chicken Shawarma with Creamy You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Use different proteins, like beef or lamb, for a twist on flavor.
- Add spices like harissa for a spicy kick in your Creamy Spiced Chicken Shawarma.
- Try a Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Tahini Sauce for a nutty flavor.
Whichever variation you choose, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken or Creamy Garlic Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
To learn more about the health benefits of yogurt, visit Healthline.
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Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce for Everyone
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen with juicy, tender chicken marinated in warm spices and yogurt, served with a luscious, tangy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for sauce and garnish)
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Optional fresh veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Optional pickled vegetables (pickled turnips or cucumbers)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix until creamy.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly. Serve wrapped in warm pita or flatbreads with fresh veggies and creamy garlic sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Customize with your choice of vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe