Description
Chicken Shawarma Wraps are a delicious Middle Eastern classic featuring tender, spiced chicken, creamy garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and a soft, warm wrap. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these wraps combine smoky, savory, and tangy flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. It’s a street food favorite you can easily make at home!
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the wraps:
- 4–6 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
For the garlic sauce (toum):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably 4-6 hours for maximum flavor.Cook the chicken:
Preheat a skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.Prepare the garlic sauce (toum):
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.Assemble the wraps:
Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave. Spread a generous layer of garlic sauce onto each wrap. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and pickles. Top with sliced chicken.Wrap and serve:
Fold the sides of the pita inward and roll tightly to create a wrap. Serve immediately with extra garlic sauce on the side, or wrap in parchment paper for an authentic street food feel.
Notes
- For an even more authentic flavor, cook the chicken on skewers or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Add a drizzle of tahini sauce or spicy chili sauce for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free wraps or serve the chicken shawarma over a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins (+ marination time)
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: lunch
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken shawarma, shawarma wrap, Middle Eastern recipes, chicken wraps, street food recipes