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Authentic Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Your Ultimate Middle Eastern Dinner Guide

Bring the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen with this authentic chicken shawarma recipe featuring perfectly marinated chicken and creamy garlic sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results perfect for weeknight meals or Mediterranean-inspired dinner parties.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of white pepper
  • Pita bread or flatbreads
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Fresh parsley
  • Pickles or pickled turnips
  • French fries (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all spices. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  3. Make the Garlic Sauce: Blend garlic cloves with lemon juice until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Assemble Your Shawarma Wraps: Warm pita breads briefly. Spread garlic sauce generously, add sliced chicken, and top with fresh vegetables. Roll tightly and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. Use a grill or cast-iron skillet for authentic char marks. Adjust garlic sauce consistency with water if too thick. Perfect for meal prep - store chicken and sauce separately for up to 4 days.