why make this recipe
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is quick and full of flavor. It uses simple spices and cooks fast. You get a tasty meal for family or guests without hard work.
introduction
This recipe shows how to make juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita with fresh veggies and garlic sauce. It is easy to follow and uses common ingredients. For a different chicken idea, try the crispy Parmesan chicken with rich garlic sauce for another simple meal.
how to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Follow the steps below to make the shawarma. Marinate the chicken, cook it well, slice it thin, and assemble the pita with garlic sauce.
Ingredients :
1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
4 pita breads
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 tomato, sliced
1/2 cucumber, sliced
Garlic sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Warm the pita bread on the grill or in a pan for a minute.
- Assemble the pita with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and drizzle with garlic sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma!

how to serve Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Serve warm. Put sliced chicken in pita and add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and garlic sauce. You can add pickles or hot sauce if you like. Eat right away for best taste.
how to store Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store vegetables separately to keep them fresh. Reheat chicken in a pan or oven until hot. Do not freeze the assembled sandwich; freeze only plain cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
tips to make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
- Marinate at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
- Use a hot pan or grill to get a nice sear on the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- If you like creamy dishes, try the creamy chicken lasagna with white sauce for another comforting chicken meal.
- Use homemade garlic sauce for a stronger garlic taste, or use store-bought for speed.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but do not overcook.
- Add sliced onions and peppers for more crunch.
- Make it a bowl instead of a pita for a low-carb option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Cook breast a bit less to avoid drying it out.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate 2-4 hours in the fridge.
Q: Can I make the garlic sauce at home?
A: Yes. You can use a simple toum (Lebanese garlic sauce) or buy ready-made garlic sauce.
Q: Is shawarma spicy?
A: The basic spice mix is mild. Add chili or hot sauce if you want heat.
Conclusion
This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce is a simple, tasty meal you can make at home with easy steps and common spices. For another chicken shawarma take on this dish, see the recipe on Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce – Lite Cravings. If you want a good homemade garlic sauce recipe, check the detailed toum method at Garlic Sauce {Homemade Lebanese Toum} – Feel Good Foodie.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Warm the pita bread on the grill or in a pan for a minute.
- Assemble the pita with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and drizzle with garlic sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chicken Shawarma!