Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a flavour-packed Middle Eastern dish featuring juicy, spiced chicken served in a warm pita wrap. Paired with creamy garlic sauce and fresh toppings, it’s a delicious meal that’s easy to recreate at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

For the Wraps

• 4 large pita breads
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Mix well. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavour.

Make the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).
3. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Warm the Pita Breads

Lightly warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or oven until soft and pliable.

Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

1. Spread a generous spoonful of garlic sauce onto each pita bread.
2. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and red onion.
3. Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. Fold the pita bread into a wrap or roll and secure with foil or parchment paper if needed.

Serve

Serve the shawarma wraps immediately with extra garlic sauce on the side. For a full meal, pair with fries or a fresh Middle Eastern salad.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma

• Use thighs for juicier meat: Chicken thighs are more tender and flavourful than breasts but feel free to substitute.
• Marinate for longer: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavour. Overnight is ideal.
• Customise toppings: Add pickles, hot sauce, or hummus for extra flavour.
• Make it meal prep-friendly: Cook the chicken in advance and reheat when assembling the wraps.

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a must-try for fans of bold, aromatic dishes. The combination of spiced chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and fresh toppings in a warm pita makes it a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!