Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma Wraps recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs infused with a fragrant blend of Middle Eastern spices, grilled or baked to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and a creamy tahini or yogurt sauce. Perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to assemble and enjoy any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Wraps:
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce or yogurt sauce
For the Yogurt Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add Chicken to Marinade: Place the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: If grilling, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. If baking, arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips for serving.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce (optional): In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside to complement the wraps.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Lightly warm the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for a few seconds on each side to make them more pliable and enhance flavor.
- Assemble the Wraps: On each warmed pita, layer sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with tahini sauce or the prepared yogurt sauce for added creaminess.
- Wrap and Serve: Roll the pita tightly to enclose the fillings. Optionally, cut each wrap in half for easier handling. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted for desired heat.
- Use chicken breasts as a leaner alternative to thighs.
- Warm the pita breads just before assembly for best texture.
- Try adding pickled vegetables or fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
- The yogurt sauce can be omitted if using tahini sauce or substituted with garlic sauce.
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Shawarma Wraps, Middle Eastern Chicken, Grilled Chicken Wraps, Shawarma Recipe, Easy Chicken Wraps
Find it online: https://reemcook.com/chicken-shawarma-wraps-recipe/
