What is Chicken Shawarma made of?

Chicken Shawarma is made from boneless chicken (typically thighs) marinated in a mix of yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Middle Eastern spices like cumin, cardamom, and paprika. It’s usually served with creamy garlic sauce in pita bread or wraps.

What makes Chicken Shawarma taste so good?

The secret is in the spices and yogurt marinade. Cumin, coriander, and cardamom deliver deep, warm flavor while yogurt tenderizes the chicken and enhances the seasoning absorption.

Is Chicken Shawarma healthy?

Yes! Chicken Shawarma is high in protein and can be made healthy by using lean chicken thighs, minimal oil, and serving it with fresh veggies or lettuce wraps.

Can I make Chicken Shawarma without a grill?

Absolutely. A cast iron skillet or non-stick grill pan works great indoors. You’ll still get delicious char and juicy texture without needing an outdoor grill or rotisserie.

How do you make garlic sauce for shawarma?

Garlic sauce, or toum, is made by blending garlic, lemon juice, and neutral oil into a fluffy emulsion. Add the oil slowly while blending to avoid the sauce breaking.

Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe

Name: Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4–6 wraps
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce); 1/4 cup lemon juice (for sauce); 1 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 2 tablespoons ice water; Warm pita bread or flatbreads; Sliced tomatoes; Sliced cucumbers; Shredded lettuce; Pickled turnips; Fresh parsley

Description

Juicy chicken shawarma wraps made with yogurt-marinated grilled chicken, bold Middle Eastern spices, and creamy garlic sauce—all wrapped in soft pita for a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
1/4 cup lemon juice (for sauce)
1 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
2 tablespoons ice water
Warm pita bread or flatbreads
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Shredded lettuce
Pickled turnips
Fresh parsley

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add minced garlic and all spices to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Pat chicken thighs dry and coat thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
To make the garlic sauce, blend garlic and salt in a food processor until finely minced.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in oil and lemon juice, alternating until a thick, fluffy sauce forms.
Add ice water at the end to thin slightly and stabilize the emulsion.
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Cook chicken until charred and internal temp reaches 165°F, about 4–5 minutes per side.
Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
Warm pita bread, spread garlic sauce, add sliced chicken, vegetables, and extra sauce. Roll and serve immediately.

Notes

Use full-fat yogurt for best flavor and texture.
Cardamom is essential for authentic shawarma taste—don’t skip it.
For spicier wraps, increase cayenne or add chili sauce.
Store leftover chicken and garlic sauce separately in the fridge.
Garlic sauce (toum) can be refrigerated for up to 7 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 3+ hours marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Searing / Skillet
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wrap
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg