Go Back
Syrian Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce and Pickles_001

Syrian Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce and Pickles

Feast your taste buds on a classic Syrian street food delight with this Chicken Shawarma recipe. Perfectly marinated in an aromatic blend of spices, the chicken is succulent and bursting with flavor. Paired with a creamy garlic sauce and tangy pickles, this dish offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the heart of the Middle East.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean, Syrian
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill or skillet
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup Plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 4 pieces Pita bread
  • 3 cloves Fresh garlic, minced For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Plain yogurt For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Salt For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup Cucumber pickles, sliced For the Pickles

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the skillet if using.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce by combining minced garlic, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  • Warm the pita bread on the grill or skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
  • To assemble, spread garlic sauce on the warm pita bread, add a generous amount of chicken shawarma, and top with cucumber pickles.
  • Roll up the pita bread and enjoy your Syrian Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce and Pickles!

Notes

For an authentic touch, add some sumac or tahini to the garlic sauce.
The chicken can also be baked in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.
If you have dietary restrictions, the mayonnaise in the garlic sauce can be replaced with more yogurt for a lighter version.
For a complete meal, serve with a side of tabbouleh or fattoush salad.
Keyword Garlic Sauce, Mediterranean cuisine, Pickles, Street Food, Syrian Chicken Shawarma