Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, marinated chicken with golden fries and a creamy garlic sauce that ties it all together. Inspired by Middle Eastern street food, this recipe brings bold spices and irresistible flavors straight to your kitchen. What makes it special is the contrast of textures: the crispy fries, tender spiced chicken, and smooth, garlicky sauce. It’s also surprisingly simple to prepare at home, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner or a weekend treat. When I tried it with oven-baked fries instead of deep-fried, the results were still delicious, proving this recipe is adaptable without sacrificing flavor. If you’re craving a takeout-style meal without leaving the house, this shawarma platter is exactly what you need.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries – A Street Food Classic at Home
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries is a Middle Eastern street food favorite made with marinated grilled chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and crispy golden fries served in a wrap or on a plate.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers (for garnish)
- For Garlic Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Toss potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Bake or fry until golden and crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to make garlic sauce.
- Warm pita breads and layer with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced chicken, garlic sauce, and fries.
- Serve wrapped or plated with extra garlic sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a healthier version, bake the fries instead of frying.
- You can use chicken breast, but thighs give juicier results.
- Serve with pickles for an authentic touch.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful, thighs work best for shawarma as they stay tender and absorb the marinade beautifully.
Olive oil – Used in the marinade, olive oil keeps the chicken moist while carrying the flavors of the spices.
Yogurt – Adds creaminess to the marinade and helps tenderize the meat. Greek yogurt works especially well.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is essential for both the marinade and the garlic sauce, giving the dish its signature punch.
Lemon juice – Brightens the marinade and balances the richness of the chicken and fries.
Cumin – Earthy and warm, cumin forms the base flavor of the shawarma spice blend.
Paprika – Adds smokiness and a hint of sweetness, complementing the other spices.
Coriander – This spice provides subtle citrus notes that enhance the freshness of the dish.
Turmeric – A pinch of turmeric gives the chicken its golden color and subtle bitterness.
Cinnamon – Just a small amount adds warmth and depth, creating that authentic shawarma flavor.
Potatoes – Cut into fries, these make the perfect crunchy side to the spiced chicken.
Vegetable oil – Ideal for frying the potatoes to crisp perfection.
Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the garlic sauce, balancing its sharpness.
Vinegar – Adds tang to the garlic sauce, cutting through its richness.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
Directions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade and let them sit for at least one hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
For the fries, cut potatoes into sticks and soak them briefly in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan and fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
To prepare the garlic sauce, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the dish by serving the sliced chicken shawarma alongside a generous portion of fries. Drizzle with garlic sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, marinating about 1 hour, and cooking time around 30 minutes. Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marination).
Storage/reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat to retain its juiciness. Fries are best eaten fresh, but you can re-crisp them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Garlic sauce can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 5 days.
Variations and Customizations
Wrap Style – Serve the chicken and fries wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce for an authentic shawarma sandwich.
Healthier Fries – Swap deep-fried potatoes for oven-baked or air-fried fries for a lighter version.
Spicy Kick – Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or grilled halloumi for a meat-free alternative.
Different Sauces – Try tahini sauce, hummus, or a yogurt-based garlic dip instead of mayonnaise-based sauce.
Rice Base – Serve the shawarma over spiced rice instead of fries for a heartier meal.
Salad Plate – Pair the chicken with a fresh salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley for a lighter version.
Pickle Addition – Add Middle Eastern pickles or pickled turnips for a tangy contrast.
Cheese Twist – Sprinkle feta or shredded cheese over the fries for a loaded platter.
Family Style Platter – Serve everything on a large tray for a fun, shareable meal at gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs are preferred for their juiciness, chicken breast works if you slice it thinly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but overnight marination gives the best flavor.
Can I bake the fries instead of frying?
Yes, oven-baked or air-fried fries are a healthier alternative.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the garlic sauce?
You can use yogurt or sour cream for a lighter variation.
Can I prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is shawarma spicy?
Traditionally, it’s more aromatic than spicy, but you can adjust with chili if you like heat.
Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Absolutely, grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
Can I serve shawarma with rice instead of fries?
Yes, rice is a popular alternative and pairs wonderfully with the chicken and sauce.
How do I keep fries crispy after frying?
Soak potatoes in water before frying and fry them in batches without overcrowding the pan.
Can I freeze the chicken shawarma?
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries is a meal that satisfies every craving—savory, crispy, and creamy all at once. By marinating the chicken with aromatic spices and pairing it with homemade fries and a punchy garlic sauce, you can recreate a street food classic in your own kitchen. Whether served on a platter for sharing or wrapped in warm pita bread, this dish is versatile, flavorful, and truly unforgettable. Once you make it, you’ll see why shawarma has earned its place as one of the world’s favorite street foods.