Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Easy Chicken Shawarma is a better-than-takeout dinner ready in 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the marinade for crispy, juicy chicken. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Roasted Potato Salad and Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Why This Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Better than takeout, ready in 30 minutes
- Easy, customizable marinade
- Creamy garlic sauce for dipping
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 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomatoes
- Optional: Red onion
- Optional: Tzatziki sauce
- Optional: Pita bread
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs.
- Cayenne pepper: Adjust to taste for heat level.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat Tenderizer — Ensures juicy chicken → See on Amazon
- Grill Pan — Achieves perfect char marks → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
- Marinate: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken, toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Make Garlic Sauce: Combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve: Slice chicken, serve with garlic sauce, and your choice of toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy chicken, pat it dry before grilling.
- Pro tip: Make extra garlic sauce. It's great on everything!
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 4 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 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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: For a one-pan meal, cook rice or quinoa in the same pan after cooking the chicken.
- Best substitution: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more tender meat.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If chicken is sticking to the grill, make sure it's hot enough and the chicken is dry.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant Read Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Garlic Sauce for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
Instructions
- Marinate: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken, toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Make Garlic Sauce: Combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve: Slice chicken, serve with garlic sauce, and your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a one-pan meal, cook rice or quinoa in the same pan after cooking the chicken.
- Best substitution: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more tender meat.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If chicken is sticking to the grill, make sure it's hot enough and the chicken is dry.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- 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: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
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, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative.
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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!
