Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce brings bold Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen. It uses simple spices and tender chicken. People love it for the rich garlic sauce and soft pita bread. Make it for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner. If you like bold garlic flavors, try these cheesy garlic chicken wraps as another easy option.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is easy and beginner friendly. You mix a few pantry spices and let the chicken sit for a short time. The garlic sauce gives the dish a tangy, creamy finish. It is great for families and for meal prep. You can cook it in a skillet in minutes. The same simple technique works well in other dishes like creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta when you want a different meal.

What makes Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce special

The spice mix creates warm, aromatic flavors. The garlic sauce adds bright, creamy contrast. The meat stays juicy when you use thighs or cook carefully. It feels like a street-food wrap at home. It stands out because it balances spice, acid, and cream in every bite.

Is Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce healthy

This recipe uses real ingredients. The spices add flavor without extra sugar. Olive oil provides healthy fats. You control the salt and sauce amount. Use lean chicken breast if you want fewer calories. Add fresh vegetables for fiber and vitamins. This makes a balanced meal when you watch portions.

How to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

The process is short and clear. First, you mix the spice blend with oil and coat the chicken. Let it marinate at least 30 minutes. Then cook in a hot skillet until the pieces are nicely browned and cooked through. It takes about 10–15 minutes of active cooking. Overall, it is low effort and great for beginners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Vegetables for serving (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
• 1/2 cup garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side for thicker pieces.
3. Warm the pita or flatbreads. Place the cooked chicken inside. Top with garlic sauce and your choice of vegetables. Serve immediately.

How to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Serve in warm pita or flatbread for a classic wrap. Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. Drizzle extra garlic sauce or add pickles for acid. Serve over rice or salad for a bowl. For a lighter side, pair with a simple green salad or the 15-minute lemon basil chicken salad. You can also make small sliders for snacks or fill a plate for a sit-down dinner.

 

Best occasions to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Make it on busy weeknights for a quick, satisfying meal. It works well for casual family dinners. Make a batch for meal prep and use the chicken in wraps or bowls all week. It also fits casual parties or game-day snacks. If you want a baked option for guests, consider the lemon garlic chicken sheet pan with potatoes and broccoli for an easy full-meal tray.

How to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Let cooked chicken cool to room temperature for up to two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep garlic sauce separate if you plan to store leftovers. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Can you make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce ahead of time

Yes. Marinate the chicken the night before to save time. Cooked chicken holds well in the fridge for a few days. Store sauce and vegetables separately for the best texture. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.

Tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• Slice the chicken thin for fast, even cooking.
• Let the skillet get hot before adding the chicken for good browning.
• Taste and adjust salt after cooking.
• Warm the pita briefly so it stays soft.
• Use thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner meat.

Variation

• Make it spicy by adding 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes.
• Swap chicken for thin beef or lamb slices.
• Use yogurt in the marinade for a tangier, tender result.
• Serve with rice, in a salad, or as a platter with roasted vegetables.
• For a fun side, serve with 5-ingredient garlic butter crescent rolls.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce?

A: Yes. Chicken breast works fine. Slice it thin and watch cooking time to avoid drying.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

A: At least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate 2–4 hours or overnight.

Q: Can I make the garlic sauce from scratch?

A: Yes. Many simple garlic sauces use garlic, oil, lemon, and yogurt or mayo. Store bought also works for speed.