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Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce (Easy, Authentic & Flavor-Packed)

Juicy, spiced chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked to perfection, and served with creamy garlic sauce for an authentic shawarma experience at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt to taste
Optional Garnish & Serving
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • warm pita bread, rice, or salad for serving

Equipment

  • Skillet or oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken with garlic, yogurt, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. Prepare garlic sauce by whisking mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Refrigerate until ready.
  3. Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
  4. Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  5. Drizzle garlic sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.
  6. Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or salad.

Notes

Marinate longer for more tender, flavorful chicken. Sauce can be made a day ahead.