Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Wraps in 35 Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.

  • Authentic Flavor: With the right blend of spices—cumin, paprika, turmeric, and more—this recipe brings the taste of shawarma right into your kitchen.

  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap toppings, or add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

  • Simple Ingredients: A handful of pantry staples and fresh produce make for a delicious meal.

  • Meal Prep-Friendly: Make this recipe in advance and store the components for a quick grab-and-go dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Marinated Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tsp ground cumin

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great)

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Pinch of salt

For Assembling

  • 8-10 small pita breads (soft and fluffy)

  • 2 cups shredded lettuce

  • 2 tomatoes, diced

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • Optional: cucumber slices, pickles, or chopped parsley

Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Wraps in 35 Minutes

directions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).

  2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

  4. Warm the Pita Bread: In a dry skillet or in the oven, warm the pita bread for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.

  5. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a warm pita flat. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on the pita, then add a portion of the cooked chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and any other toppings you desire.

  6. Serve: Fold the pita like a taco or roll it up like a burrito. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)

  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4-6 wraps

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Use tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead of chicken for a plant-based version of this wrap.

  • Add Spice: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick.

  • Different Vegetables: Swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula. Add cucumber slices or pickled turnips for extra crunch and tang.

  • Cheese Option: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for a creamy addition.

  • Wraps: While pita bread is classic, feel free to use other flatbreads or tortillas, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

storage/reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: You can freeze the marinated chicken (before cooking) for up to 3 months. Once cooked, store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works, but thighs stay juicier. If using breast, be sure not to overcook it to prevent it from drying out.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes will still give you great flavor!

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The garlic sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated.

Can I freeze the chicken shawarma?

Yes, freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. You can also freeze leftover cooked chicken for up to 1 month.

What is the best way to warm pita bread?

You can warm pita bread in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper to the marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled wrap. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce to the wrap before serving.

Can I use a different yogurt for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute with non-dairy yogurt for a vegan option. Just ensure it’s unsweetened.

Can I skip the mayonnaise in the garlic sauce?

Yes, you can use more yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce. You could also try adding a bit of olive oil for extra creaminess.

Can I make this recipe with lamb or beef?

Absolutely! Lamb or beef will work well in place of chicken. Adjust the cooking time depending on the meat’s thickness.

How do I store leftover wraps?

Store leftovers (chicken and sauce separate from pita) in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and sauce before serving.

Conclusion

These Chicken Shawarma Wraps are quick, flavorful, and easy to make, making them the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of juicy, spiced chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and fresh veggies wrapped in soft pita bread is sure to impress. Customize the recipe to your liking, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Wraps in 35 Minutes

Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Wraps in 35 Minutes

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  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: undefined
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Description

These Chicken Shawarma Wraps are packed with Middle Eastern flavors in just 35 minutes! Juicy marinated chicken is wrapped in soft pita bread, topped with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

Pinch of salt

For Assembling:

8–10 small pita breads

2 cups shredded lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Optional: cucumber slices, pickles, or chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
  2. For the garlic sauce, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  4. Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or in the oven until soft and pliable, about 30 seconds per side.
  5. Assemble the wraps: Spread garlic sauce on the pita, add a portion of the cooked chicken, and top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and any additional toppings.
  6. Fold the pita into a wrap or roll it like a burrito. Serve immediately.

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Use tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead of chicken for a plant-based option.

Add Spice: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes for more heat.

Different Vegetables: Use spinach or arugula instead of lettuce, and add cucumber slices or pickled turnips for extra flavor.

Cheese Option: Add crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for a creamy touch.

Wrap Variation: Swap pita for tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Skillet or Grill
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: undefined
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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