Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy chicken and creamy sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe and Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole.
Why This Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy chicken with a tender inside
- Creamy garlic sauce that's out of this world
- Ready in just 30 minutes
What You'll Need for Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Pita bread
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomatoes
- Optional: Red onions
- Optional: Tahini sauce
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Thinly slice for even cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of mincing garlic and herbs. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Gives the best sear and crispiness. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove for the garlic sauce.
- Step 4: Serve chicken in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and garlic sauce.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
- : Use thinly sliced chicken for even cooking.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- : For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- : Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Freezing Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If chicken is sticking to the pan, it's not hot enough. Let it cook undisturbed until it releases naturally.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Pita bread
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onions
- Tahini sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove for the garlic sauce.
- Step 4: Serve chicken in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and garlic sauce.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If chicken is sticking to the pan, it's not hot enough. Let it cook undisturbed until it releases naturally.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 3.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner FAQs
Yes, marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Use tortilla wraps or naan bread as a substitute.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
