Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs marinated in aromatic Middle Eastern spices and baked on a sheet pan, served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This middle eastern ready in about 65 minutes blends pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, teaspoons ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander, 2 teaspoons ground paprika, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss well to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a rimmed sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by whisking together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley until smooth and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve with the garlic yogurt sauce alongside warm pita or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (35 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern middle eastern like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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