Dinner · Saudi Arabian
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce
This is homemade shawarma that actually tastes like your favorite takeout, warmly spiced chicken seared until the edges go dark and crisp, then wrapped in flatbread with a cool garlic herb yogurt sauce. The marinade does the heavy lifting, so most of the time is hands off. Pile it high with crunchy veggies and a little feta and you have a dinner everyone will ask for again.

Why you'll love this
- Big takeout flavor from a simple pantry spice blend.
- The marinade does the work while you go about your day.
- Cool, garlicky yogurt sauce ties every bite together.
- Easy to prep ahead for fast weeknight dinners.
EveryDayMeal recipe
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- a splash lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint and parsley, finely chopped
- 4 to 6 flatbreads, for serving
- to taste lettuce, sliced onion, tomato, and feta, for serving
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Zip-top bag
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast into thin, bite-size strips so it marinates fast and cooks evenly, then drop it all into a large zip-top bag.
- Add the minced garlic, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, smoked paprika, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil to the bag. Seal it and squish everything around until every piece is coated. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, but 10 to 12 hours gives you the deepest flavor.
- While the chicken rests, make the sauce: stir together the Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, chopped mint and parsley, the 1 teaspoon cumin, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt to taste, then chill until serving so the flavors mingle.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a thin film of olive oil. Toast the flatbreads one side at a time until lightly golden and warm, then set aside and cover to keep soft.
- Add more oil to the hot pan and cook the chicken in two batches so it sears instead of steaming. Let each batch get a deep, browned crust before stirring, about 5 to 8 minutes total, until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Build each wrap: spread yogurt sauce over a warm flatbread, then layer on lettuce, onion, tomato, the hot chicken, a crumble of feta, and one more drizzle of sauce. Roll up and serve right away while everything is warm.
Tips from the kitchen
- Slice the chicken thin and pat it dry before it hits the pan so it browns instead of steams.
- Don't crowd the skillet. Two batches gives you those dark, flavorful edges that make shawarma great.
- Make the yogurt sauce first so it has time to chill and the garlic mellows into the herbs.
Estimated nutrition per serving: 430 cal · 45g protein · 28g carbs · 16g fat
Make it your own
- Swap chicken thighs for the breast if you like juicier, more forgiving meat.
- Turn it into a bowl over rice or greens instead of wrapping in flatbread.
- Dial the cayenne up or down to match your heat preference.
Storing & make-ahead
Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken in a hot skillet for a minute or two to bring back the crisp edges, then assemble wraps fresh so the bread stays soft.
Good to know
- Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
- Yes, overnight is ideal. Anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours works, and longer means more flavor.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
- Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and are hard to overcook. Slice them the same way and cook until no longer pink.
- What flatbread works best?
- Warm pita, naan, or lavash all work. Toast one side in the pan so it stays soft but adds a little flavor.
- How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
- Cook over medium-high heat in batches and pull it off as soon as it's cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes. Thin slices cook quickly.
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