Which chicken works best here?

Thighs or breasts without bones and skin are perfect, though thighs keep things juicier and softer.

How long do I need to soak the chicken?

One hour is okay, but letting it sit overnight really boosts flavor and tenderness.

Is it easy to make this spicier?

Absolutely, just add chili powder to match how much heat you want.

What are good toppings or sides for this?

Try fresh stuff like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and herbs like parsley or cilantro for crunch and zing.

How do I whip up the creamy garlic sauce?

Just mix mayo, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper well, then chill until you’re ready to eat.

Tasty Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Section: Evening Favorites

Chicken thighs or breasts get sliced thin and soaked in a mix of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. After soaking, the chicken is cooked until it's golden brown and tender. The creamy garlic sauce mixes yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, and fresh garlic for a silky touch. It’s served hot in pita bread with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies for a flavorful bite.

Letting the chicken soak overnight makes it taste even better and juicier by soaking in those spices. Traditional spices give depth without being too strong, while fresh toppings add a nice, bright pop that makes this meal a quick, filling hit every time.

Save by Pinning Share This Meal Send This Recipe Print This Recipe Go Straight to Recipe

Created By Lindsey

Most recently updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:54:44 GMT

A delicious looking Creamy Garlic Chicken Shawarma. | cookbing.com

This creamy garlic chicken shawarma is super simple but so tasty. The chicken soaks up the spices and gets super tender. The garlicky sauce is smooth and tangy, pulling all the flavors together. It’s great for a quick dinner or when friends stop by.

I whipped this up one day with some chicken thighs in the fridge and now it’s a go-to dinner for us. It hits the spot with smoky, tangy, and creamy all rolled into one.

Ingredients

Steps

A delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Shawarma. | cookbing.com

The smoked paprika is my favorite part. It adds that smoky depth that makes the dish feel real authentic. It reminds me of summer nights with family making wraps and sharing laughs.

Storage Tips

Ingredient Switches

Serving Suggestions

A plate of chicken with sauce on it. | cookbing.com

This shawarma is a hit with everyone. Easy to make, bold flavors, and just the right texture.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which chicken works best here?: Thighs or breasts without bones and skin are perfect, though thighs keep things juicier and softer.
→ How long do I need to soak the chicken?: One hour is okay, but letting it sit overnight really boosts flavor and tenderness.
→ Is it easy to make this spicier?: Absolutely, just add chili powder to match how much heat you want.
→ What are good toppings or sides for this?: Try fresh stuff like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and herbs like parsley or cilantro for crunch and zing.
→ How do I whip up the creamy garlic sauce?: Just mix mayo, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper well, then chill until you’re ready to eat.

Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Juicy chicken soaked in spices and topped with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh herbs.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Time to Cook

15 minutes

Overall Time

35 minutes

Created By: Lindsey

Type of Recipe: Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern

Servings Yielded: 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

Ingredients List

→ Chicken

01 680 grams skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts sliced thin

→ Marinade

02 Salt and pepper to taste

03 2.5 milliliters chili powder (optional)

04 2.5 milliliters ground cinnamon

05 2.5 milliliters ground turmeric

06 5 milliliters smoked paprika

07 5 milliliters ground coriander

08 5 milliliters ground cumin

09 4 cloves garlic minced

10 15 milliliters lemon juice

11 30 milliliters olive oil

12 240 grams plain Greek yogurt

→ Creamy Garlic Sauce

13 Salt and pepper to taste

14 7 milliliters lemon juice

15 2 cloves garlic minced

16 120 grams plain Greek yogurt

17 60 grams mayonnaise

→ Garnish and Serving

18 Pickles or pickled turnips if you like

19 Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions if you want

20 Pita or flatbreads warmed up

21 Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Detailed Cooking Steps

Step 01

Put all the marinade stuff together in a bowl like Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, chili powder if you use it, salt, and pepper. Stir it up well so everything’s mixed right.

Step 02

Put your sliced chicken into the marinade. Toss it so every piece gets covered. Then cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour or better yet overnight to soak up the flavor.

Step 03

Grab another small bowl and mix mayo, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s smooth then keep it chilled until you need it.

Step 04

Heat up a big pan or grill pan on medium-high. Throw in the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir here and there until the chicken’s cooked through and looks browned.

Step 05

Warm your pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave them quickly till soft and easy to fold.

Step 06

Spread the garlic sauce on your warmed pita, add cooked chicken, then pile on the sliced veggies and pickles if you like. Top with fresh parsley or cilantro before digging in.

Helpful Hints

Leaving the chicken in marinade overnight really brings out the taste. Spice it up with as much chili powder as you like. Fresh veggies and pickles make it even better with texture and flavor.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowls
Big skillet or grill pan

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and ask a doctor if unsure.

Has dairy

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

These nutritional values serve as a guide and don’t replace advice from healthcare experts.

Calorie Count: 450
Fat Content: 22 grams
Carbohydrate Content: 20 grams
Protein Amount: 45 grams