Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce is a bold and flavorful Middle Eastern–inspired dish featuring warmly spiced, juicy chicken paired with a cool, creamy garlic yoghurt sauce, perfect for wraps, bowls, or plates.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Middle Eastern
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the garlic yoghurt sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yoghurt
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
For serving:
4 flatbreads or pita
1 cup sliced tomatoes
1 cup sliced cucumbers
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yoghurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
Warm the flatbreads slightly to make them pliable.
Assemble by layering sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley onto each flatbread.
Drizzle generously with garlic yoghurt sauce.
Wrap tightly and serve immediately.
Notes
Marinating overnight provides deeper flavor.
Chicken thighs yield juicier results than breasts.
Grilling outdoors adds extra smoky flavor.
Store sauce and chicken separately for freshness.
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Adjust spice level with cayenne or chili flakes if desired.