Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Mint Cream Cheese – Fresh & Quick Recipe

Tired of the classic shawarma filled with mayo and heavy sauces? Today I propose a homemade version, much lighter but incredibly flavorful. The secret lies in the feta cream cheese with mint, which transforms this dish into a gourmet treat, ready in less than 40 minutes.

Why try this recipe?

• The potatoes are baked, not fried, so fewer calories. • The chicken is juicy, cooked in butter and soy sauce. • The cheese sauce is protein-rich and refreshing thanks to the mint.

🛒 Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (cut into thin strips) • 50g butter • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 3 cloves of garlic (minced) • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • Spices: salt, sweet paprika, chicken spice mix

For the oven-baked potatoes:

• 4-5 medium potatoes • Olive oil • Potato seasoning (rosemary, salt, paprika)

For the cream cheese:

• 100g feta cheese • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (10% fat for a creamy texture) • 3 tablespoons olive oil • Juice of half a lemon • A few fresh mint leaves

For assembly:

• Lebanese pita or tortillas • Pickled cucumbers (cut into strips)

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1. Oven-Baked Potatoes

We start with the potatoes as they take the longest. 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2. Wash and cut the potatoes into thin strips ("fries" style). 3. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle the seasonings. 4. Bake for 30 minutes (top-bottom heat with ventilation). Important: Halfway through, turn them over in the tray to brown evenly on all sides.

2. Flavorful Chicken

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter along with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add the chicken strips. As soon as the meat has turned white, add the salt, paprika, chicken spices, and minced garlic.
3. Pour in the tablespoon of soy sauce and mix well.
4. Leave the chicken over medium heat until all liquid evaporates and the meat develops a delicious golden crust.

3. Fresh Cheese Sauce

While the chicken and potatoes are cooking, we take care of the star element: 1. Place the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice in a chopper. 2. Blend until you get a smooth and consistent cream. 3. Finally, add the finely chopped mint leaves and pulse a few more times (we want to taste the mint without turning the sauce completely green).

🌯 Assembly

Warm the pita slightly in a dry skillet. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese, add a handful of crispy potatoes, the chicken strips, and a few pickled cucumbers for acidity.

Pro tip: Add another layer of sauce on top of the meat before rolling the pita. The freshness of the mint in contrast with the warm chicken is absolutely divine!

Have you tried the recipe? Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think!

What is your "secret" ingredient that you always add to your homemade shawarma?