Chicken Shawarma Wrap Recipe

If you are craving something bursting with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors, look no further than the Chicken Shawarma Wrap. This beloved street food classic offers tender, spiced chicken paired with a creamy garlic sauce and tangy sumac onions, all wrapped up in soft lavash or your favorite flatbread. Every bite is a delightful harmony of smoky, savory, fresh, and tangy notes, making it a perfect meal that’s both satisfying and exciting to enjoy any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something unique to the table—whether it’s the warmth of spices, the creaminess of the sauce, or the crunch from fresh veggies. Together, they create a beautifully balanced Chicken Shawarma Wrap that’s full of flavor and texture.

• 3 lb chicken thighs (thinly sliced): The juicy, tender base that absorbs all the delicious spices perfectly.
• 2 tsp salt: Enhances every other flavor and balances the spices.
• 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth, a signature Middle Eastern note.
• 1 tsp ground coriander: Offers a bright, citrusy undertone.
• 1 tsp paprika: Provides a smoky, mild heat.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Boosts savory richness without extra moisture.
• 1 tsp turmeric: Gives beautiful color and subtle earthiness.
• 1 tsp sugar: Balances the spices with a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds depth and a slight tang to the marinade.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the spices meld into the chicken and keeps it juicy.
• 1/2 cup mayo: Forms the creamy base of the irresistible garlic sauce.
• 1/2 cup yogurt: Adds tang and lightness to the sauce.
• 5 cloves garlic (grated): The star of your garlic sauce, for pungent freshness.
• 1/2 lemon’s juice: Lends brightness both in sauce and sumac onions.
• 1 tbsp parsley (finely chopped): Fresh herbal notes that lift the whole dish.
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced): Gives crunch and sharpness tempered by sumac.
• 1 tbsp sumac: A tangy, lemony spice that makes the onions irresistibly vibrant.
• Lavash (or tortilla, pita, flatbread): Soft, warm wraps to hold all your delicious fillings together.
• Harissa (optional): Adds smoky heat if you like your wrap with a little extra punch.
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and french fries: Classic toppings that add freshness, acidity, and crunch.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the thinly sliced chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, onion powder, turmeric, sugar, tomato paste, and olive oil. Give it a good stir so every piece is thoroughly coated in this fragrant spice blend. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes is key, but if you have time, overnight soaking will make the flavors truly sing.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, heat a large skillet on medium-high. Spread the chicken evenly and cook while stirring occasionally. When the chicken develops a lovely char in spots and is cooked through—usually about 8 to 12 minutes—you know it’s ready. This is where the magic happens as those spices toast and deepen their flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

While your chicken cooks, whisk together mayo, yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. This creamy sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the spiced chicken, offering tang, richness, and that gorgeously pungent garlic kick so essential in the Chicken Shawarma Wrap experience.

Step 4: Prepare the Sumac Onions

Combine thinly sliced red onion with sumac, lemon juice, and parsley, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. The sumac not only softens the onions but adds a zesty, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Wraps

Warm your lavash or preferred flatbread to make it pliable. Spread on a generous layer of garlic sauce (add harissa if you crave some heat), followed by fresh lettuce, cooked chicken, those tangy sumac onions, pickles, juicy tomato slices, and even crispy french fries for a fun finish. Roll it up tightly or fold it like a gyro, and your Chicken Shawarma Wrap is ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your wraps fresh and warm for the best experience. Each bite delivers a dynamic layering of flavors and textures that turn a simple meal into an unforgettable one.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Garnishes

Brighten your Chicken Shawarma Wrap with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for an extra pop of flavor and color. Adding a drizzle of extra garlic sauce or a dollop of harissa can also make the wrap even more vibrant and personalized to your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Pair your wrap with traditional Middle Eastern sides like tabbouleh, fattoush salad, or a side of warm hummus. Crispy falafel balls or a bowl of lentil soup also complement the hearty wrap beautifully, rounding out your meal with wholesome goodness and diverse textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Shawarma Wrap deconstructed on a large platter—lay out the sliced chicken, garlic sauce, sumac onions, and fresh veggies so everyone can build their own wraps. Alternatively, cut the wrap in half diagonally and secure with pretty toothpicks for easy sharing at gatherings or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep fresh veggies and bread separate to avoid sogginess so you can enjoy the freshest wrap later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in portions for up to two months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve moisture and flavor before assembling your Chicken Shawarma Wrap again.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Toast your bread separately before assembling to keep everything fresh and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breast works fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking time to prevent drying out.

What’s the best bread for Chicken Shawarma Wrap?

Lavash is traditional, but pita, tortilla, or flatbread all work well. Choose whichever you like or have on hand—just make sure to warm it before wrapping for the best texture.

Is the garlic sauce spicy?

The garlic sauce itself isn’t spicy but wonderfully garlicky and creamy. You can add harissa or chili sauce separately if you want some heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian take, consider swapping chicken with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms and keep the same marinades and sauces to maintain that rich shawarma flavor.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes works, marinating overnight is best to develop deeper flavors and tenderness. Just cover and refrigerate while it marinates.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you try making this Chicken Shawarma Wrap soon—it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress and satisfy with every bite. Perfect for a casual weeknight meal or when you’re craving something flavorful and fun to eat, this wrap brings a little taste of Middle Eastern magic right to your table. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious mouthful!

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