Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce – The Ultimate Comfort Fusion

If you love bold Middle Eastern flavors and crave indulgent comfort food, Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce are about to become your new obsession. This recipe brings together crispy golden fries, juicy spiced chicken shawarma, and a creamy, punchy garlic sauce that ties everything together in the most irresistible way. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Shawarma has long been a beloved street food across the Middle East, known for its warm spices, tender meat, and craveable sauces. Fries, on the other hand, are a global comfort classic. When these two worlds collide, the result is a loaded fries recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and pure satisfaction. Whether you’re serving this as a casual dinner, a game-day platter, or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these shawarma fries never fail to impress.

What makes this recipe special is balance. The fries are crisp and sturdy enough to hold toppings, the chicken is deeply marinated with shawarma spices, and the garlic sauce adds richness without overpowering the dish. Fresh herbs and optional pickles cut through the richness, giving every bite contrast and depth.


Why You’ll Love These Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries

This dish checks every box for a repeat-worthy recipe. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can bake, air-fry, or deep-fry the potatoes depending on your preference. The chicken can be grilled, pan-seared, or roasted. Everything is customizable.

Second, the flavors are bold but approachable. Shawarma spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and garlic create warmth without overwhelming heat, making this dish appealing to a wide range of eaters.

Finally, it’s visually stunning. A plate of loaded shawarma fries looks abundant, colorful, and inviting—perfect for sharing or showcasing on social media.


Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Olive oil
  • Plain yogurt
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Lemon juice
  • Ground cumin
  • Ground coriander
  • Paprika
  • Ground turmeric
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

For the Fries

  • Russet potatoes, peeled or skin-on
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt

For the Garlic Sauce

  • Mayonnaise
  • Plain yogurt
  • Fresh garlic, grated
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

For Topping & Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pickled cucumbers or turnips (optional)
  • Extra paprika or shawarma spice

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare the Potatoes
    Cut the potatoes into evenly sized fries. Soak them in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry.
  3. Cook the Fries
    Toss the fries with oil and salt. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, air-fry or deep-fry until crispy.
  4. Cook the Chicken Shawarma
    Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked. Let rest briefly, then slice into strips.
  5. Make the Garlic Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust garlic or lemon to taste.
  6. Assemble the Fries
    Spread the hot fries on a serving platter. Top generously with sliced chicken shawarma.
  7. Finish and Serve
    Drizzle with garlic sauce, sprinkle with parsley, add pickles if using, and finish with a pinch of paprika. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for the Best Shawarma Fries

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Don’t skip soaking the fries—it’s key for crispiness.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to keep fries crunchy.
  • Warm the garlic sauce slightly for easier drizzling.

Variations and Customizations

  • Spicy Shawarma Fries: Add chili flakes or harissa to the marinade.
  • Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or feta over hot fries.
  • Beef or Lamb Shawarma: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef or lamb.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use roasted spiced cauliflower or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

These loaded fries pair beautifully with fresh salads like tabbouleh or cucumber tomato salad. They’re also excellent alongside pita bread, hummus, or baba ghanoush for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired spread.


Cultural Inspiration

Shawarma originated in the Ottoman Empire and remains a staple street food across the Middle East. Traditionally served in flatbread, this modern fries version is a fusion twist that celebrates the same bold spices and comforting appeal in a new format.


Final Thoughts

Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce are indulgent, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. They combine crispy textures, juicy marinated chicken, and creamy garlic sauce into one unforgettable dish. Once you make them, they’re guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Loaded Chicken Shawarma Fries with Garlic Sauce

Crispy fries topped with juicy spiced chicken shawarma and creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate comfort fusion dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: Fusion, Middle Eastern
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Chicken Shawarma
  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
Fries
  • 4 russet potatoes cut into fries
Garlic Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic grated

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, spices, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  2. Bake or fry potatoes until golden and crispy.
  3. Cook marinated chicken in a hot skillet until fully cooked and charred.
  4. Mix all garlic sauce ingredients until smooth.
  5. Assemble fries, top with chicken, drizzle sauce, and garnish.

Notes

Serve immediately for best texture.

Leave a Reply