Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Graceful Flavors

There’s something enchanting about the aroma of sizzling spices, garlicky richness, and warm flatbread wrapping around juicy meat. Chicken Shawarma, a dish celebrated across the Middle East, is the epitome of bold flavor and comfort in every bite. Known for its tender marinated meat and iconic creamy garlic sauce, this recipe brings all the charm of a street-food classic into your kitchen.

Whether you’re craving a family-style meal, prepping lunch wraps, or dreaming of your favorite doner kebab, this recipe will take your tastebuds on a flavorful adventure. With perfectly spiced chicken, fresh toppings, and an ultra-creamy garlic sauce that will make you want to dip everything in sight, this dish is a must-make for any lover of poultry recipes or globally-inspired cooking.

🌍 What is Chicken Shawarma?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food made from thinly sliced meat stacked in a cone-like shape and slow-roasted on a vertical rotisserie. Though beef and lamb are traditional, chicken shawarma has become a global favorite for its juicy tenderness and spice-laden profile. The word “shawarma” is derived from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning “turning,” a reference to the rotisserie cooking method.

Luckily, you don’t need a rotisserie to make restaurant-worthy shawarma at home. With the right blend of chicken spices, a good marinade, and a hot oven or pan, you can easily recreate that charred, savory flavor in your kitchen.

🛒 Ingredients Overview

To make homemade chicken shawarma, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some fresh produce. Here’s a breakdown:

🔹 Chicken Shawarma Marinade

The marinade is what gives shawarma its distinctive boldness—spicy, tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are preferred for juiciness.
• Iogurte grego: Tenderizes and adds creaminess.
• Azeite de oliva: Helps distribute spices and encourages browning.
• Lemon juice + vinegar: For that essential tang.
• Alho: A must for bold flavor.
• Shawarma spices: Cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne.

🔥 Pro Tip: Marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for deep flavor infusion.

🔹 Creamy Garlic Sauce (Toum-style)

Garlic sauce is the heart of this dish. Rich, tangy, and unapologetically garlicky—it elevates everything it touches.

• Maionese: Base for creaminess.
• Minced garlic: Go fresh and bold.
• Lemon juice: Cuts the richness.
• Iogurte grego: Adds a tangy twist.
• Olive oil & salt: For silkiness and seasoning.

🍗 Full Chicken Shawarma Recipe (From Scratch)

🔸 Ingredients – Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 2 colheres de sopa de azeite de oliva
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 dentes de alho, picados
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 colher de chá de páprica defumada
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 colher de chá de pimenta-do-reino
• 1½ tsp sea salt

🔸 Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and all the spices. Add the minced garlic and mix well. Toss in the chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Passo 2: Cozinhar o Frango

Option 1: Oven-Baked

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
• Arrange marinated chicken on the rack.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Broil for 2–3 minutes to char the edges.

Option 2: Skillet-Seared

• Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add a splash of oil and sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked.

✅ Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Slice Shawarma-Style

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin, juicy strips. These are perfect for wraps, bowls, and platters.

🧄 Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Este chicken shawarma sauce is the ultimate condiment—cooling, creamy, and garlicky.

🥣 Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional for tang)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 colher de sopa de azeite de oliva

🥄 Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, and salt.
2. Slowly whisk in olive oil until sauce becomes silky smooth.
3. Taste and adjust salt or lemon to your preference.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

💡 Storage: Keeps in fridge for up to 7 days in a sealed container.

🥙 How to Assemble the Ultimate Chicken Shawarma Wrap

🫓 Ingredients for Assembly:

• Fresh pita or flatbread
• Sliced chicken shawarma
• Creamy garlic sauce
• Chopped lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced pickles (cucumber or turnip)
• Thin red onion slices
• Fresh parsley or mint

🔄 Steps:

1. Warm your flatbread on a skillet or over an open flame.
2. Smear a generous layer of garlic sauce in the center.
3. Add a portion of sliced shawarma chicken.
4. Pile on fresh veggies and herbs.
5. Roll tightly and wrap in parchment or foil for that classic street-food vibe.

🧺 Hosting tip: Serve as a shawarma bar! Let guests build their own wraps with sauces and toppings.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations

Shawarma isn’t limited to wraps. Here are delicious ways to enjoy it:

🥗 Shawarma Bowls

Serve over couscous, rice, or greens with grilled veggies, hummus, and chicken shawarma sauce.

🍟 Shawarma Fries

Top crispy fries with shawarma, creamy garlic sauce, and chopped herbs. A game day favorite!

🥘 Shawarma Platter

Serve sliced shawarma with warm pita, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and pickles for a family-style spread.

🥒 Keto-Friendly Shawarma

Use lettuce leaves instead of bread. Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.

🧂 All About Chicken Spices

What makes chicken shawarma stand out is its complex spice blend. Here’s a breakdown of essential chicken spices:

• Cumin: Earthy, slightly nutty
• Coriander: Citrusy and warm
• Açafrão-da-índia: Earthy and colorful
• Canela: Sweet and warming
• Paprika: Smoky and bold
• Cayenne: Adds heat
• Alho: Aromatic and intense

Tip: Toast your spices lightly before using for enhanced depth.

🧊 Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Marinated Chicken:

• Can be prepped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Cooked Chicken:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or oil.

Garlic Sauce:

• Keeps fresh for 1 week.
• Stir before using.

Freezer-Friendly:

• Freeze cooked shawarma in airtight bags for up to 3 meses. Thaw overnight and reheat.

🔁 Chicken Shawarma vs Doner Kebab vs Gyro

Though all cooked rotisserie-style, the key difference lies in spices and sauces. Shawarma wins for bold, layered flavor and creamy garlic sauce.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma Recipe

• ✅ Authentic Middle Eastern flavors at home
• ✅ Creamy garlic sauce you’ll use on everything
• ✅ Perfect for meal prep, parties, and weeknights
• ✅ Packed with protein and customizable toppings
• ✅ A delicious way to explore poultry recipes beyond the ordinary

This recipe is a showstopper whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a shawarma lover looking to bring your favorite street food home.

📸 Final Touch: Serve and Share

Plate your masterpiece, drizzle with garlic sauce, and serve with a smile. Don’t forget to snap a picture! Tag #GracefulFlavors and share your creation with the world.

Whether you enjoy it wrapped in warm pita, loaded into a shawarma bowl, or simply with a side of pickled vegetables, this recipe is a beautiful balance of spice, richness, and freshness—a graceful flavor journey worth repeating.