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Healthy chicken shawarma bowl with cucumber tomato and garlic sauce.

Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

This Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate Mediterranean comfort food. Featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bold blend of cumin, turmeric, and lemon, it’s served as a fresh, vibrant bowl. Topped with a protein-rich Greek yogurt garlic sauce and crisp cucumber-tomato salad, this recipe is a healthy, easy-to-make alternative to takeout that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Mezze, Salad
Cuisine: Greek, Middle Eastern
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless/skinless
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Garlic Sauce:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
Bowl Components:
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Marinate: Whisk oil, lemon, and spices. Coat chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Cook: Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
  3. Sauce: Whisk yogurt, garlic, and lemon in a small bowl.
  4. Assemble: Slice chicken. Build bowls with a base of grains, topped with vegetables, chicken, and a drizzle of sauce.

Notes

  • Pro Tip: For the juiciest results, use chicken thighs rather than breasts. The slightly higher fat content allows the meat to withstand high heat without drying out.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt in the sauce for a tahini-lemon dressing or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  • Resting Time: Always let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat succulent.
  • Char is Flavor: Whether using a grill or a cast-iron pan, don't be afraid of a little bit of dark char—that's where the authentic "rotisserie" flavor lives.
  • Meal Prep: If prepping for the week, store the fresh salad, sauce, and chicken in separate compartments to keep everything crisp and fresh.