Garlic Chicken Shawarma: Your New Favorite Easy Dinner!

From My Kitchen to Yours: The Ultimate Garlic Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Ever wonder if you can truly capture the soul of street food in your own kitchen? I used to think those irresistible flavors from bustling food stalls were pure magic, a secret held only by vendors with years of tradition. I remember the first time the scent of sizzling shawarma hit me during a family trip; the spinning rotisserie, the charred edges of the meat, and that incredible aroma of garlic and spices. It was a moment of pure food joy. For years, I chased that flavor, and that chase led me to develop this Garlic Chicken Shawarma recipe. It’s not just about mimicking a dish; it’s about recreating that feeling of excitement and comfort, a recipe so powerful it turns a regular weeknight dinner into a mini celebration. I’m Benjamin, a home cook and dad, and my greatest joy is making food that brings my family together. This recipe does exactly that. We’re talking about tender, juicy chicken marinated in a robust blend of yogurt, lemon, and a whole lot of garlic, then cooked to perfection. It’s a dish that fills the house with the most amazing smell and gets everyone excited for dinner. It’s proof that you don’t need a giant vertical spit to make authentic tasting shawarma right at home. You just need a good recipe and a little bit of love.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Shawarma

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a ticket to a delicious, flavor packed adventure that your entire family will ask for again and again. When I first made this for Emily and the kids, their reaction was everything. Adams, my twelve year old, even said it was better than the takeout we sometimes get! That’s a huge win in my book. This Garlic Chicken Shawarma has become a staple in our home because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to pull together. It’s one of those meals that feels special without requiring hours of complicated prep. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen hero. I’ve refined this recipe over time to make sure it’s foolproof for every home cook, from the seasoned pro to the busy parent just trying to get a flavorful meal on the table. It’s designed to be versatile, satisfying, and above all, a joy to make and eat. If you’re a fan of bold flavors that transport you, you’re in the right place. And if you love garlic as much as I do, you’ll appreciate how it shines in this dish without being overpowering. Thinking about other garlic forward dishes my family loves, our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is another weeknight wonder.

• Incredibly Flavorful Marinade: The heart of this dish is the marinade. A rich combination of Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a generous amount of garlic, plus a secret blend of spices, tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with layers of flavor.
• Perfectly Tender and Juicy Chicken: Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays succulent and moist, whether you grill it, pan sear it, or bake it. The yogurt in the marinade helps lock in the juices, preventing dry chicken.
• Surprisingly Quick and Easy: While the flavor is complex, the process is simple. Once the chicken is marinated (and you can do this ahead of time!), the cooking takes less than 30 minutes. It’s an ideal recipe for a busy weeknight when you want something special without the stress.
• Versatile for Meal Prep: This chicken is fantastic for meal prepping. You can marinate it overnight or even freeze the marinated chicken for a future meal. It’s also delicious served hot or cold, making it perfect for salads and sandwiches the next day.
• Family Friendly Crowd Pleaser: The flavors are bold but not overly spicy, making it a hit with both adults and kids. You can easily adjust the spice level to your family’s preference. It’s a fun, interactive meal when served with pitas and various toppings.
• Better Than Takeout: This homemade version lets you control the ingredients, using fresh, high quality chicken and spices. It delivers all the authentic shawarma flavor you crave without the extra grease and expense of ordering out.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Shawarma

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 8 cloves garlic, minced (yes, eight!)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 tsp salt

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Toum style):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

How to Make Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Step by Step Instructions

Making this Garlic Chicken Shawarma is all about the marinade. Giving the chicken enough time to soak up all those amazing flavors is the key to success. I often prep this in the morning, or even the night before, so when dinner time rolls around, the hard part is already done. Cooking becomes a quick, satisfying process that fills my home with the most incredible aroma. It’s a signal to Emily and the kids that something delicious is on its way. Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredient list; it’s mostly spices that you just need to mix together. The steps are simple and designed for any home cook to follow with ease. For a different take on a similar flavor profile, check out this Chicken Shawarma recipe from Lite Cravings, which also features a fantastic garlic sauce.

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Add the chicken thigh pieces to the bowl and toss them until every piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
2. Let the Flavors Mingle: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, I highly recommend marinating it overnight (up to 24 hours). This long marination time is what makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
3. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth. Season with salt to your liking. If you’re using fresh herbs, stir them in. Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Chicken: You have a few options for cooking. For a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or pan over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is deeply golden brown and cooked through. You want to get a nice char on the edges.
5. Grilling Option: If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium high. Thread the chicken onto skewers. Grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. This method adds a wonderful smoky flavor reminiscent of our favorite Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken.
6. Serve Warm: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the Garlic Chicken Shawarma immediately with the prepared garlic yogurt sauce, warm pita bread, and your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips & Variations

Over the years, I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better. These tips will help you get that perfect restaurant quality result every single time. And because every family is different, I’ve also included some variations to help you customize this dish to your liking. After all, cooking is about making food that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Whether you need a gluten free option or want to dial up the heat, there’s a way to make this Garlic Chicken Shawarma work for you. For another great family style chicken dish, our Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Feta offers a different but equally delicious flavor journey.

• Don’t Rush the Marinade: I can’t stress this enough. The magic happens in the fridge. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes is better than nothing, but marinating for at least 4 hours (or overnight) makes a world of difference in both flavor and texture.
• Get a Good Char: Don’t be afraid of high heat! Whether you’re using a skillet or a grill, a nice char on the chicken mimics the crispy bits from a traditional shawarma spit. To achieve this, make sure your pan or grill is hot before you add the chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs are more forgiving and contain more fat, which keeps them juicy and tender, especially with the high heat cooking method. They are my go to for this recipe. If you’re a fan of super tender chicken, you might also like these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites which are always a hit.
• Spicy Variation: If you like it hot, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of harissa paste to the marinade or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic yogurt sauce.
• Gluten Free Option: The recipe is naturally gluten free. Simply serve it with gluten free pita bread, over a bed of rice, or in a salad bowl to keep the entire meal gluten free.
• Sheet Pan Dinner Variation: For an easy all in one meal, spread the marinated chicken on a sheet pan with sliced onions and bell peppers. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes. This is a great hands off method, similar to this sheet pan dinner from Delish.

Serving Suggestions

The best part about making Garlic Chicken Shawarma at home is building your own perfect wrap or bowl. I love setting up a little toppings bar for the family. It’s interactive, fun, and lets everyone customize their meal. My son Adams loves to load his up with extra pickles, while Jana, my nine year old, is all about the garlic sauce. It turns dinner into a creative activity. For me, a perfect shawarma wrap is all about the balance of flavors and textures: the warm, savory chicken, the creamy sauce, the fresh, crisp vegetables, and the soft pita bread holding it all together. It’s truly a perfect meal. If you’re looking for a similar wrapped meal idea, our Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki are also a family favorite.

• Pita Wraps: The classic way to serve shawarma. Warm up some fluffy pita bread and stuff it with the chicken, a generous drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.
• Shawarma Bowls: For a lower carb option, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa, rice, or even cauliflower rice. Top with your favorite Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like hummus, cucumber salad, crumbled feta cheese, and olives.
• Fresh Salads: Create a refreshing side salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley, dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. This is often called an Israeli salad and it cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly.
• Pickles and Peppers: Don’t forget the pickles! Pickled turnips and spicy pickled peppers add a tangy, acidic crunch that beautifully complements the savory chicken.
• Hummus and Fries: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the shawarma with a side of creamy hummus for dipping and a pile of crispy French fries, just like you’d get at the best shawarma shops.

Storage & Reheating for Garlic Chicken Shawarma

One of the best things about this recipe is that it makes fantastic leftovers. Sometimes, I make a double batch just to ensure we have enough for lunch the next day. The flavors almost get better overnight! Storing it properly is key to enjoying it just as much the second time around.

Storage:

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce in a separate container; it will also last for about 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer safe bag or container.

Reheating:

To reheat, you can gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight first for the best results.

FAQ about Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, they will work just fine. I recommend cutting them into slightly smaller pieces and being careful not to overcook them, as breast meat is leaner and can dry out more easily than thighs.

Can I prepare the chicken marinade in advance?

Yes, and I highly encourage it! The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This makes it a perfect meal prep recipe. You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem at all! A cast iron skillet is my favorite indoor method for cooking this shawarma. It gives the chicken a fantastic char. You can also use a regular non stick skillet or bake the chicken on a sheet pan in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Is the garlic flavor overwhelming?

While this recipe is called Garlic Chicken Shawarma for a reason, the garlic flavor mellows out significantly during the cooking process. The raw garlic in the marinade becomes sweet and savory, and the yogurt sauce has a fresh, garlicky kick that is balanced by the lemon juice. If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the amount to your preference.

Final Thoughts on Garlic Chicken Shawarma

I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy to your dinner table as it does to mine. Cooking for me is about creating memories and sharing love through food, and this Garlic Chicken Shawarma is a dish full of love. It’s a journey of flavor that starts in your kitchen and transports you somewhere wonderful. If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or if you added your own special touch. And if you’re looking for more easy, family friendly recipes, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. For more visual inspiration, save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board! Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Benjamin

Garlic Chicken Shawarma

Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a garlic-infused yogurt blend, seasoned with aromatic spices, and cooked to perfection for an authentic shawarma experience at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 8 cloves 8 garlic, minced
• 2 tsp 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 tsp 2 tsp salt

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
• to taste Salt
• 2 tbsp 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Equipment

• large mixing bowl,
• - Whisk
• Plastic Wrap
• Large cast iron skillet or pan
• Grill (optional)

Method

 

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until it's well combined and smooth.
2. Add the chicken thigh pieces to the bowl and toss them until every piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, marinade overnight (up to 24 hours).

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
2. Season with salt to your liking. If you're using fresh herbs, stir them in. Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
2. When the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is deeply golden brown and cooked through. You want to get a nice char on the edges.
3. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and with grill marks.

Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with the prepared garlic yogurt sauce, warm pita bread, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 20g

Notes

Don't rush the marinade: Marinate at least 4 hours for best results. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep moist.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!