Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries
If you love Middle Eastern street food, this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries is the ultimate homemade version you’ve been craving. Juicy marinated chicken, rich garlic yogurt sauce, tangy sumac onions, and crispy fries all come together in a warm wrap packed with authentic flavor.
This recipe captures the essence of what makes shawarma irresistible: tender meat infused with aromatic spices, the creamy bite of garlic sauce, and the freshness of herbs and lemon. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough to impress guests.
Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout meal or trying shawarma for the first time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped in soft flatbread.
Why This Recipe Works: Chicken Shawarma
This chicken shawarma recipe is built for flavor and convenience. The quick marinade infuses the chicken with rich spices, while a simple homemade garlic sauce keeps it creamy and balanced. Adding sumac onions and fries inside the wrap gives it that signature street-style touch you’d find in authentic shawarma stands across the Middle East.
No rotisserie or special tools are required, just a skillet or grill pan. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with all the extras.
Ingredient Spotlight
Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the flavorful shawarma marinade.
Spices: Paprika, turmeric, and chili powder add warmth and color without overpowering.
Garlic Sauce: Creamy yogurt-mayo base with fresh garlic and parsley for brightness.
Sumac Onions: Tangy and refreshing, they balance the richness of the chicken.
Fries: Crispy fries add satisfying crunch and that iconic street-food indulgence.
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, and parsley until smooth. Adjust garlic to your taste.
Toss sliced red onion with sumac, parsley, and lemon juice until combined. Let rest briefly.
Heat a skillet or grill pan and cook chicken strips until golden brown and fully cooked. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Spread garlic sauce and harissa on each wrap. Add chicken, sumac onions, cucumber, tomato, and fries. Roll tightly and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps are a complete meal on their own but pair perfectly with extra garlic sauce, pickled vegetables, or a side of tabbouleh salad. Serve with mint tea or a yogurt drink for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store the cooked chicken and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet before assembling wraps. Avoid storing pre-assembled wraps to keep them fresh and crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace chicken with beef, lamb, or tofu for variety.
- Add grilled peppers or roasted eggplant for more vegetables.
- Use tahini sauce instead of garlic sauce for a traditional twist.
- Include shredded cabbage or pickled turnips for extra crunch.
FAQs: Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries Edition
Yes. You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
Yes. Chicken thighs are juicier and add a slightly richer flavor to the shawarma.
If you can’t find sumac, use a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of zest to mimic its tangy flavor.
Yes. Spread marinated chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake until fully cooked, then broil briefly for charred edges.
Large flatbreads or Lebanese-style pita are ideal. Tortillas can also be used if that’s what you have.
Final Thoughts on this Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries
This Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries brings the irresistible flavors of Middle Eastern street food right into your kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken, garlicky sauce, and crisp fries wrapped in soft flatbread create a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of depth.
It’s a recipe that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends. With a few simple ingredients and bold spices, you can recreate a shawarma experience that tastes just like your favorite food truck or restaurant.
If you enjoyed this recipe, visit Aylin Cooks for more global recipes that bring authentic taste, color, and creativity to your table.
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce & Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the ChickenIn a bowl, combine:Chicken strips2 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp tomato pasteJuice of 1 lemonSeasoning: paprika, turmeric, black pepper, salt, chili, and garlic powderMix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for best flavor).
- Cook the ChickenHeat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.Add the marinated chicken.Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through.Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Make the Garlic SauceIn a small bowl, mix:3 tbsp yogurt2 tbsp mayonnaiseMinced garlic (adjust to taste)1 tbsp chopped parsleyTaste and adjust for garlic intensity or tang.
- Prepare the Sumac OnionsIn another bowl:Add sliced red onion, 1 tsp sumac, 1 tbsp parsley, and juice of ½ lemon.Toss until onions are well coated.Let sit for a few minutes to soften and absorb flavor.
- Assemble the WrapsFor each wrap:Lay a 26 cm (10") wrap on a flat surface.Spread 1–2 tbsp garlic sauce down the center.Add a layer of cooked chicken.Add a spoonful of sumac onions.Add tomato and cucumber slices.Add a handful of hot French fries.Drizzle more garlic sauce and a bit of harissa or sriracha (optional for heat).
- Wrap and ToastFold the bottom of the wrap up, then fold in the sides to enclose the filling.Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.Place the wrap seam-side down and toast for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy.
- ServeSlice the wrap in half, serve hot with extra fries, pickles, or salad on the side.
This was delicious. I added Old Bay to my batter as well and it turned out great!
That’s a great idea! Glad you enjoyed it Alisa 🙂
I just made this for dinner and it was delicious! I followed the receipe exactly.
Thank you so much Emily! glad you enjoyed 🙂