Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

If you’re craving something bold, aromatic, and totally satisfying, let me introduce you to Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce—a dish that brings all the flavors of your favorite Middle Eastern street food right into your kitchen. Picture this: tender, spice-marinated chicken that’s juicy on the inside and slightly charred on the outside, tucked into warm pita or flatbread and drizzled with a cool, creamy yogurt sauce. It’s savory, tangy, and totally craveable. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, takeout won’t even tempt you.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Flavor Explosion: The spices are the real star here—warm, smoky, a little tangy, and downright delicious.

Healthier than Takeout: This recipe is baked or pan-cooked instead of deep-fried, and the yogurt sauce keeps things light and fresh.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of chicken, and you’ve got lunches and dinners sorted for days.

Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in wraps, bowls, over salad, or with rice—however you like it, it works.

Crowd-Pleaser: The whole family will love this, and it’s easy to scale up for a dinner party or gathering.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

These simple ingredients come together to create something truly special:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts

Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up the bold marinade. Thighs are extra tender, but breasts work well too.

Shawarma Marinade

A rich blend of spices—think cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic, coriander, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Olive Oil

Helps the marinade stick and ensures a juicy, flavorful result.

Garlic

Fresh and punchy, it adds depth to both the chicken and the yogurt sauce.

Lemon Juice

Brightens up the dish and balances out the rich, savory spices.

Plain Yogurt (for the sauce)

Thick, creamy, and cooling—perfect for drizzling over the warm, spiced chicken.

Cucumber

Grated and added to the yogurt for texture and freshness.

Fresh Herbs (like parsley or mint)

Optional, but adds a burst of color and herby brightness to the sauce.

Flatbread or Pita

To serve—warm and soft, ideal for wrapping up all that deliciousness.

Optional Add-ins:

Tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, pickled veggies, feta, or hummus for extra flavor and crunch.

Instructions

Let’s bring this shawarma magic to life:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and shawarma spices. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or better yet, overnight for max flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. You can also bake it in a hot oven until golden and juicy.

Rest and Slice

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, then slice it into strips. This helps keep it juicy and tender.

Make the Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, combine plain yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs if using. Stir well and chill until ready to use.

Assemble

Layer sliced chicken onto warm pita or flatbread. Drizzle generously with yogurt sauce and top with your favorite fixings.

Serve

Wrap it up, fold it, or eat it open-faced—whatever your style, it’s going to be delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to marinate and prep]
Cook Time: [Time to cook chicken and make sauce]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

There are so many tasty ways to enjoy this dish:

Wrap Style: Load everything into a warm pita and eat it like a sandwich—classic and delicious.

Bowl Style: Serve over a bed of rice or couscous with veggies and sauce for a hearty, filling meal.

Salad Style: Keep it light by adding the chicken and yogurt sauce over a fresh green salad.

Family Style: Set everything out and let everyone build their own shawarma wraps—it’s fun and interactive!

With Dips & Sides: Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh for a full Middle Eastern spread.

Additional Tips

Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Even an hour helps, but overnight is best for deep, developed flavor.

Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Make the Sauce Ahead: Yogurt sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a bit—it gives the flavors time to blend.

Crisp It Up: Want crispy edges? Finish the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two after cooking.

Double Up: This recipe doubles easily and leftovers are fantastic—think sandwiches, wraps, or even pizza toppings!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?
A1: Absolutely! If you have a blend on hand, it’s a great shortcut.

Q2: Can I use Greek yogurt for the sauce?
A2: Yes! Greek yogurt makes it extra thick and creamy. Thin with a little lemon juice if needed.

Q3: Is this dish spicy?
A3: Not usually, but you can always add cayenne or chili flakes for heat if you like it spicy.

Q4: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
A4: Definitely! Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor and charred edges—perfect for shawarma.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: For the sauce, swap in a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based alternatives.

Q6: How long does the chicken keep?
A6: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q7: What kind of bread works best?
A7: Soft pita, naan, or any flatbread you love. Warm it up for best results!

Q8: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A8: Yes! Freeze in portions and reheat gently for quick meals.

Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?
A9: Totally—try it with roasted chickpeas, tofu, or grilled veggies instead of chicken.

Q10: What veggies go best in the wrap?
A10: Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and pickled turnips are all amazing additions.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce is the kind of meal that feels like a special treat but is easy enough for any night of the week. The bold, aromatic spices and cool, creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony—whether wrapped in pita, served in a bowl, or piled high on a plate. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

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