Few dishes capture the essence of Middle Eastern street food quite like chicken shawarma. Juicy, spice-marinated chicken slices wrapped in warm pita, topped with fresh vegetables, and drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce—it’s no wonder shawarma has gained global popularity.
In this guide, you’ll learn not only how to make restaurant-quality shawarma at home, but also how to prepare the traditional garlic toum sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick wrap, a nourishing grain bowl, or a party platter, this recipe will deliver bold flavors every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Authentic Middle Eastern flavors
✔ Simple, step-by-step process
✔ Works with oven, grill, stovetop, or air fryer
✔ Freezer-friendly for meal prep
✔ Healthier than takeout (and customizable!)
Ingredients
For the Shawarma Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tenderness)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked, if available)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (adds depth)
- 1 tsp sumac (optional, authentic touch)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce (Toum):
- 1 whole head of garlic (peeled)
- ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
- ¼ cup olive oil (for richness)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional, for creamier texture)
Optional Fillings & Sides:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions
- Pickled turnips
- Hummus or tahini
- Rice or salad base
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.
- Add chicken, coating evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight for best flavor).
💡 Pro Tip: Yogurt and lemon juice break down fibers, making the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Shawarma
Choose your method:
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high, cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side.
- Grill: Grill on medium heat for smoky flavor.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Once cooked, let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce (Toum)
- Blend garlic and salt into a paste.
- Slowly drizzle in oils while blending, creating an emulsion.
- Add lemon juice gradually.
- For extra creaminess, whisk in Greek yogurt.
💡 Pro Tip: Add oil slowly; rushing will cause the sauce to separate.
Step 4: Assemble the Wrap
- Warm pita bread.
- Add sliced chicken, vegetables, pickles.
- Generously drizzle garlic sauce.
- Wrap tightly and serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving – without pita)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 18g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients.)
Serving Ideas
- Classic Wrap: Shawarma in pita with lettuce, tomato, cucumber.
- Shawarma Bowl: Over rice or quinoa with roasted veggies.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps.
- Party Platter: Slice chicken and serve with dips, flatbread, olives, and pickles.
Cultural Notes
- Shawarma originated in the Ottoman Empire, evolving from the Turkish doner kebab.
- Unlike Greek gyros (pork/lamb) or Turkish doner (often beef), shawarma uses a wide spice profile and is often served with garlic sauce.
- Today, shawarma is a global comfort food found from Lebanon to New York City.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in skillet or oven—avoid microwaving to prevent drying.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier due to higher fat content.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, marinate up to 24 hours in advance, or cook and refrigerate for easy reheating.
3. What if I don’t have sumac?
Skip it, or substitute with a squeeze of lemon juice for tanginess.
4. Is this recipe authentic?
It’s adapted from traditional Middle Eastern methods but simplified for home cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce at home is easier than you think—and the results are fresher, healthier, and more flavorful than takeout. By mastering the marinade, cooking method, and iconic garlic sauce, you’ll have a dish that’s equally perfect for quick dinners, family meals, or hosting friends.
✨ Serve it once, and it might just become your signature recipe.
