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Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce – Bold, Juicy, and Better Than Takeout

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This authentic Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce brings bold Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen. Juicy, spiced chicken thighs are marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, cooked until perfectly charred, and served in flatbread with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh toppings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped cucumbers (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional)
  • Sliced tomatoes (optional)
  • Pickled turnips or onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and all spices in a large bowl to make the marinade.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  4. Alternatively, grill or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
  5. Mix mayonnaise or yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to make the garlic sauce. Chill until ready to use.
  6. Warm flatbread, spread garlic sauce, add chicken slices, and top with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled veggies. Add more sauce and wrap tightly.
  7. Serve immediately or wrap in foil for an on-the-go meal.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Use plant-based mayo/yogurt for a vegan garlic sauce.
  • Grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth.
  • Store chicken and sauce separately in the fridge.
  • Chicken can be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop or Oven
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg