Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
This Chicken Shawarma is tender, juicy, and full of warm spices, served with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh veggies. Inspired by Mediterranean street food, it’s low-fat, high-protein, and perfect for bowls, wraps, or salads.
Prep: 15 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes
Cook: 15–20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Serves: 2
Ingredients
For Chicken
2 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cinnamon
Salt & black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
For Garlic Sauce (Touma)
3 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt to taste
Optional Bowl Add-ons
1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced
Lettuce or arugula
Pickled onions or olives
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
Mix olive oil, spices, lemon juice, salt & pepper
Coat chicken thoroughly and marinate 30 minutes to overnight
Cook Chicken
Grill, pan-sear, or oven-bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes until cooked through
Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly
Prepare Garlic Sauce
Mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt
Chill until serving
Assemble Shawarma Bowl/Wrap
Place quinoa/rice or greens as base
Add chicken slices
Add veggies and drizzle garlic sauce
Garnish with fresh herbs
Tips
For extra smoky flavor, use a grill pan or broiler
Garlic sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge for 2–3 days
For wraps, use whole wheat pita or flatbread
Add a sprinkle of sumac or paprika for authentic Mediterranean taste
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the marinade
Is this weight-loss friendly?
Yes — lean protein, minimal oil, nutrient-rich vegetables
Can I make it vegan?
Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas and use vegan yogurt for garlic sauce
Can I meal prep?
Yes — store chicken, veggies, and sauce separately; assemble before eating
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbs: 22 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 5 g