Name: Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs 1 cup Greek yogurt 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp turmeric; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cup cucumber, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 4 pieces pita bread or flatbread

If you’re craving the bold, savory flavors of Middle Eastern street food, Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce is your answer. Marinated in a blend of warming spices and garlic, this chicken roasts up tender and full of flavor. Wrapped in warm pita and paired with a cool, tangy yogurt sauce, it makes a meal that feels both exciting and comfortingly familiar.

This dish brings restaurant-quality shawarma to your kitchen with surprisingly simple steps. The real magic happens in the marinade—a mixture of spices and citrus that transforms everyday chicken into something deeply satisfying. Whether you grill it, roast it, or cook it on the stovetop, the result is juicy, perfectly spiced meat that plays beautifully with crisp veggies and creamy yogurt sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

This chicken shawarma is quick to prep and easy to customize. You can serve it in a wrap, bowl, or even as part of a vibrant mezze platter. The yogurt sauce adds a fresh balance to the richly spiced meat, making every bite bright and satisfying. Plus, it holds up well for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Shawarma?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best option for authentic-style shawarma. They stay juicy and flavorful after cooking, especially with high heat or long roasting. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, but be mindful not to overcook it. The marinade helps keep it tender either way.

Ingredients for the Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

To make this dish sing with flavor, you’ll need ingredients that hit notes of spice, acid, and creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken thighs are the juicy foundation of this recipe and hold up beautifully to the marinade.

Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess to the sauce while also tenderizing the meat if used in the marinade.

Garlic infuses both the marinade and sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.

Lemon juice provides brightness and cuts through the richness of the meat.

Olive oil is essential for helping the spices coat the chicken evenly and adds a bit of richness.

Ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric create the signature warm, earthy shawarma flavor.

Cayenne pepper (optional) brings heat if you like it spicy.

Salt and black pepper enhance every other flavor in the dish.

Fresh cucumber and parsley brighten up the final wrap or bowl.

Pita bread or flatbread is the perfect vessel to serve the finished shawarma.

How To Make the Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Roast or grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked and slightly charred around the edges. This usually takes about 25 minutes in the oven or 6-8 minutes per side on the grill.

Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce

Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, chopped cucumber, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Warm the pita bread and spread a generous spoonful of the yogurt sauce on each. Add the chicken, fresh veggies like cucumber, tomato, or onion, and more sauce on top. Fold and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

This recipe makes enough to feed 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size and how you serve it. For gatherings or family dinners, lay out all the components buffet-style so everyone can build their own wrap.

Leftovers store beautifully. Keep the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave, and stir the yogurt sauce before using again.

What to Serve With Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce?

Hummus and Pita Chips

A creamy dip like hummus is always a win, especially alongside shawarma. Add crunchy pita chips or warm pita for dipping.

Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant roasted with olive oil make a colorful and healthy side.

Israeli Couscous Salad

This grain-based salad brings brightness with herbs, lemon, and crisp veggies. It’s great for rounding out a shawarma plate.

Pickled Turnips or Onions

Their tangy crunch adds contrast to the spiced chicken and creamy sauce.

Classic Tabouli

A parsley-heavy grain salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon. It brings freshness to the dish.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

If you’re making a mezze-style meal, add these for a satisfying bite.

French Fries or Batata Harra

Crispy potatoes are surprisingly perfect with shawarma. Try them Lebanese-style with garlic and cilantro.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this bold Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce, you might also enjoy these other flavorful favorites from Janet Dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try grilling the chicken or stick with oven-roasted? Any add-ins that made it even better?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to ask questions, share tips, or tell me what to try next.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and wholesome meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next go-to dinner inspiration!

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually quite easy to pull off. The marinade does most of the work, and the sauce adds a layer of cool, creamy contrast to the savory meat. Whether you’re hosting friends or just shaking up a weeknight dinner, this one hits all the right notes.