If you’ve ever fallen in love with the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food, Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce is the combination that keeps you coming back for more. Juicy, spice-marinated chicken paired with creamy, punchy garlic sauce—also known as toum—creates a dish that’s deeply satisfying, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly achievable at home. In the first bite alone, Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce delivers tangy lemon, warm spices, savory garlic, and rich olive oil in perfect balance.
This guide will walk you step by step through making authentic chicken shawarma and traditional garlic sauce from scratch, even if you’ve never tried Middle Eastern cooking before.
What Is Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce?
Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce is a classic Middle Eastern pairing made up of two components:
- Chicken Shawarma: Chicken thighs marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and warming spices, then cooked until juicy and lightly charred
- Garlic Sauce (Toum): A fluffy, emulsified sauce made from fresh garlic, lemon juice, oil, and salt
Together, they create a flavor experience that’s bold, comforting, and crave-worthy.
Why This Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce Recipe Works
This recipe stays true to traditional methods while remaining accessible for home cooks.
Key Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic spice blend with balanced heat
- Yogurt-based marinade for ultra-tender chicken
- Classic toum made without eggs
- Perfect for wraps, bowls, or plates
- Meal-prep and crowd-friendly
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce
Using high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in this dishes.
For the Shawarma Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Sauce (Toum)
- 1 cup fresh garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For Serving
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded lettuce
- Pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley
The Secret Behind Authentic Chicken Shawarma Flavor
The hallmark of chicken shawarma is its deeply seasoned marinade. Each spice plays a role:
- Cumin & coriander add earthiness
- Cardamom & cinnamon provide warmth
- Turmeric gives color and subtle bitterness
- Paprika & cayenne bring gentle heat
The yogurt tenderizes the chicken while helping the spices cling to every bite.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Marinade
Step-by-Step Marinade Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Add all spices, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until smooth and fragrant.
- Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Pro Tip:
Longer marination equals deeper flavor and juicier chicken.
Best Ways to Cook Chicken Shawarma at Home
You don’t need a vertical rotisserie to achieve incredible results.
Oven-Roasted Method (Most Reliable)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for charred edges.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side
- Rest before slicing
Grill Method
- Grill over medium heat
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F
What Is Toum? The Famous Garlic Sauce
Toum is a traditional Middle Eastern garlic sauce that’s fluffy, white, and intensely garlicky. Unlike aioli, it contains no eggs, relying on proper emulsification instead.
How to Make Garlic Sauce (Toum) Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Garlic
- Remove any green sprouts from garlic cloves
- Add garlic and salt to a food processor
Step 2: Begin Emulsification
- Process until finely minced
- Slowly drizzle in oil while blending
Step 3: Alternate Lemon and Oil
- Add lemon juice gradually
- Continue alternating oil and lemon
Step 4: Finish with Ice Water
- Add ice water to stabilize
- Blend until thick, fluffy, and smooth
Texture Goal:
Similar to whipped cream or soft butter.
Common Toum Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Adding oil too quickly
- Using warm ingredients
- Skipping ice water
- Using olive oil (too strong)
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce
Classic Shawarma Wrap
- Warm pita
- Sliced chicken
- Garlic sauce
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips
Shawarma Bowl
- Rice or quinoa base
- Chicken shawarma
- Fresh veggies
- Drizzle of toum
Shawarma Plate
- Chicken
- Flatbread
- Garlic sauce
- Salad and herbs
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Chicken
- Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 4 days
- Freeze marinated raw chicken up to 2 months
Garlic Sauce
- Store refrigerated up to 3 weeks
- Keep tightly sealed
Why Chicken Thighs Are Best for Shawarma
- Higher fat = more flavor
- Stay juicy during high heat
- Absorb marinade better
Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are traditional and preferred.
Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce
- High protein
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Anti-inflammatory spices
- Naturally gluten-free (without pita)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce
Can I make chicken shawarma without yogurt?
Yes, but yogurt provides tenderness and traditional flavor. You can substitute olive oil and lemon juice, though texture will differ.
Why did my garlic sauce break?
This usually happens if oil is added too quickly. Restart with fresh garlic and drizzle oil slowly.
Is chicken shawarma spicy?
It’s warmly spiced, not hot. Cayenne can be adjusted to taste.
How long should I marinate chicken shawarma?
At least 2 hours, but overnight delivers the best flavor.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor for toum?
Yes, but use low speed and scrape sides frequently for best results.
What can I substitute for pickled turnips?
Pickled red onions or cucumbers work well.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
- Clear steps
- Forgiving marinade
- No special equipment required
- Flexible cooking methods
Conclusion: Make Restaurant-Quality Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce at Home
Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the deeply marinated chicken to the fluffy, bold garlic sauce, this dish brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors straight to your kitchen. Whether served in wraps, bowls, or plates, it’s guaranteed to impress family, friends, and yourself.
Call to Action
Try this Chicken Shawarma Garlic Sauce recipe today, save it to your favorites, and share it with anyone who loves bold, unforgettable flavors. Once you make it at home, takeout just won’t compare.
