Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you have ever craved the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern street food, this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy, tender chicken thighs blended with a mesmerizing mix of spices are baked to perfection and then wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and a luscious, garlicky sauce that sings with every bite. This recipe balances bold spices and creamy freshness so beautifully, making it an irresistible meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull together at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a staple in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. The spices bring warmth and earthiness, the chicken provides succulent protein, and the creamy garlic sauce perfectly cuts through with tang and zest. Here’s everything you’ll gather to make this showstopper:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Rich and tender, perfect for absorbing spices.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds moisture and helps spices adhere to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Gives a warm, smoky depth fundamental to shawarma.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric: Brings earthy flavor and a golden hue.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers subtle warmth and complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and bring out the flavors.
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the garlicky sauce, tangy and smooth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Punches up the sauce with fresh garlic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with citrusy zing.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and richness to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Gives the sauce a silky texture.
• Pita bread: The perfect soft vessel to hold all the delicious fillings.
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions: Provide fresh crunch and balance.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This temperature hits the sweet spot for baking chicken thighs so that they stay juicy inside while developing a lovely, slightly crisp edge on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the Perfect Spice Blend

In a sizable bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. This aromatic blend is the heartbeat of the dish, delivering that unmistakable shawarma flavor profile.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs to the bowl and toss everything until each piece is generously coated in that golden spice mixture. This step ensures every bite bursts with vibrant flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the spiced chicken thighs in a baking dish in a single layer. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you counting down the minutes!

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken roasts, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This sauce is creamy with a perfect garlicky kick, ready to complement the warm spices of the chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, let it rest briefly before slicing it into thin strips. Resting keeps the juices locked in so your shawarma stays juicy and tender in every bite.

Step 7: Warm the Pita Bread

Pop the pita bread in the oven for a few minutes just to warm it up and make it pliable — this makes wrapping your shawarma easier and more enjoyable.

Step 8: Assemble Your Shawarma

Place the sliced chicken on the warm pita, then top with juicy slices of tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp onions for freshness and crunch. Finish with a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate flavor harmony.

Step 9: Wrap and Enjoy

Fold or roll the pita around the filling and dive into your delicious homemade shawarma. Easy to eat on the go and utterly satisfying!

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the top to add a burst of herbal brightness that pairs wonderfully with the rich spices. A dash of sumac or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also lift the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chicken Shawarma with creamy garlic sauce alongside fluffy rice pilaf, a simple tabbouleh salad, or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete and exciting meal. Pickled turnips or a tangy cucumber yogurt salad make excellent refreshing sides, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, layout all the components buffet-style and let everyone build their own shawarma wraps. Alternatively, serve the sliced chicken and sauce over a colorful salad bowl for a lighter, low-carb option that still captures all the signature tastes of the Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken and sauce stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Stored properly, the chicken will stay flavorful for up to 3 days, and the sauce will maintain its creamy charm as well.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken shawarma pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor as much as possible.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chicken gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps keep it juicy without drying out. Warm the sauce briefly on the stovetop or at room temperature before drizzling on your shawarma.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook breast meat as it can dry out quickly.

Is the creamy garlic sauce similar to traditional toum?

The sauce in this recipe is a simpler, creamier take that uses Greek yogurt and mayonnaise rather than pureed garlic oil like toum. It’s easier to make at home and deliciously tangy while still offering that garlic punch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo to keep things creamy without dairy.

How spicy is this Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?

This recipe is mildly spiced, focusing more on aromatic warmth and savory depth than heat. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce if you like a little extra kick.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then slice thinly against the grain. This keeps the pieces tender and easy to wrap inside your pita bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and exciting about pulling together bold spices, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread. This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe brings the best of classic street flavors right into your own kitchen in an approachable and utterly delicious way. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of every mouthwatering bite!

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