Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce: Easy 60-Min Comfort

Name: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt, to taste

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If there’s one dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce. Seriously—this is one of those meals that smells incredible while it cooks and makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “When is it ready?”

I love this recipe because it delivers bold, comforting flavors without demanding hours of effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even meal prep when life feels like one long to-do list. And the best part? It tastes like something you’d order from your favorite takeout spot—but made right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Let me count the ways—because this one deserves it.

Big flavor, minimal stress: A simple spice blend does all the heavy lifting.
Weeknight-friendly: From start to finish, you’re done in about an hour.
Flexible and forgiving: Grill it, pan-cook it, or bake it—this recipe adapts to your kitchen.
That garlic sauce though: Creamy, tangy, and just garlicky enough to make everything better.

This is the kind of recipe I lean on when I want dinner to feel special… without actually working that hard. My kind of magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Shawarma

1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Easy swaps:

Vegetarian? Use marinated mushrooms or tofu instead.
Want extra creaminess? Swap olive oil for Greek yogurt.

For the Garlic Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt, to taste

Lighter option: Greek yogurt or silken tofu works beautifully here.

Timing (Because I Know You’re Busy)

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

That’s about 20% faster than many traditional shawarma recipes, which means more flavor in less time. Yes, please.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss until everything is well coated.

Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can do longer (even overnight), the flavor only gets better.

Step 2: Preheat Your Pan or Grill

Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. A few drops of oil help prevent sticking and encourage that golden-brown goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely browned and fully cooked. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Taste and adjust. More garlic? Always acceptable in my kitchen.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve in pita bread or on a plate, drizzled generously with garlic sauce. Add fresh veggies, pickled turnips, or a simple salad on the side.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce served with fresh salad and warm pita — Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce served alongside crisp salad, warm pita, and a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce.

Helpful Cooking Tips (From My Real-Life Kitchen)

If your sauce feels too thick, add a tiny splash of lemon juice or water. Crisis averted.
Don’t crowd the pan—give the chicken space so it browns instead of steams.
That leftover marinade smell? Totally normal. That’s flavor doing its thing.

A Little Personal Note

This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce has saved me more than once on weeks when everything felt rushed and chaotic. I’d marinate the chicken the night before, and the next day dinner practically cooked itself. Watching my family happily dig in reminded me why I love simple, comforting meals like this.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy It

Use skinless chicken breasts to lower fat.
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the garlic sauce.
Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.

Flavor stays bold. Guilt stays low.

Serving Ideas That Make It Extra Special

Whole-wheat pita for extra fiber
Tabbouleh salad for a fresh, herby contrast
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Pickled vegetables to balance the rich garlic sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the marinade: This is where the flavor lives.
Overcooking the chicken: Dry chicken is sad chicken.
Overdoing the sauce: I know it’s tempting—but balance is key.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For meal prep, marinate the chicken or make the garlic sauce ahead of time.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, then add fresh sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Just watch the cooking time—they dry out faster.

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes! It keeps well for up to three days and tastes even better as it sits.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-cooking?

Totally. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this good for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep. Quick, flavorful, and reheats like a dream.

Let’s Bring It All Together

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is one of those recipes that checks every box: comforting, flavorful, flexible, and totally doable on a busy night. Whether you serve it wrapped in warm pita or piled onto a plate with veggies, it’s a meal that feels special without the stress.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. And if your kitchen smells amazing while it cooks—just know you’re doing it right.

More Cozy Dishes to Enjoy Alongside This Shawarma

If this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce made its way into your regular dinner rotation, you’re in for even more delicious wins. These recipes pair beautifully with the warm spices and creamy garlic sauce, whether you’re building a full spread or just looking for your next easy favorite:

Add something fresh and crisp to the table with Persian Shirazi Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs—it’s light, refreshing, and a perfect balance to the bold shawarma flavors.
When you want the same flavors with even less effort, try slow cooker chicken shawarma that practically cooks itself—ideal for busy days when you still want something special.
If creamy garlic sauces are your love language, you’ll also adore spicy fiery chicken ramen with creamy garlic sauce for a cozy, slurp-worthy dinner.
Round out the meal with something warm and homemade like no-knead seeded oat bread perfect for soaking up extra garlic sauce.
And if you’re curious about classic techniques and authentic flavors, this Middle Eastern chicken shawarma recipe from RecipeTin Eats is a wonderful source of inspiration.

This section fits seamlessly right after the conclusion and gently invites curious home cooks to keep exploring comforting, flavorful meals—one cozy recipe at a time.