Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsAli BabaChicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Inspired by Ali Baba
Time2h
Serves4

Marinated chicken served with garlic sauce and pita.

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Ingredients

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Marinated Chicken

Garlic Sauce

Pita and Garnishes

Method

Marinated Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.

  2. 2

    Marinate the Chicken

    Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. 3

    Cook the Chicken

    Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill or sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

  2. 4

    Rest the Chicken

    Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Garlic Sauce

  1. 5

    Prepare the Garlic Sauce

    In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assembly

  1. 6

    Assemble the Shawarma

    Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Warm the pita bread slightly in a dry pan or microwave. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on each pita, add sliced chicken, and top with chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and cucumbers.

  2. 7

    Serve

    Wrap the pita around the filling and serve immediately while warm.

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