Juicy, flavorful chicken shawarma wrapped in warm pita with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is packed with spices, making it an irresistible meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor – The combination of aromatic spices and a tangy yogurt marinade ensures every bite is bursting with taste.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all levels.
- Healthy and Satisfying – Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome pita, this is a balanced and nourishing meal.
- Customizable – Adjust the toppings, spice level, or sauce to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep – Marinate the chicken in advance for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Smoked paprika
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Greek yogurt
- Pita or flatbreads
- Lettuce, shredded
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Red bell peppers, sliced
- Pickled cucumbers (optional)
- Garlic sauce or tahini sauce
Directions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm pita or flatbreads on a dry pan or grill for a few seconds on each side.
- Assemble the wraps by adding lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red bell peppers, and pickled cucumbers to each pita.
- Top with the cooked chicken and drizzle with garlic sauce or tahini sauce.
- Fold and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 min marination)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 wraps
- Calories: 320 kcal per wrap
Variations
- Spicy Shawarma – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Low-Carb Version – Serve the chicken and toppings over a salad instead of using pita bread.
- Extra Crunch – Add sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or crispy onions for added texture.
- Different Sauces – Swap garlic sauce or tahini with hummus, yogurt dressing, or a spicy harissa sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the microwave for 30-40 seconds until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating overnight will enhance the taste even more.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
What type of pita bread should I use?
You can use traditional Middle Eastern pita, Greek pita, or any flatbread of your choice.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and cook it when ready. You can also prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance for quick assembly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chicken and toppings are gluten-free, but you will need to use gluten-free pita or serve it as a salad.
Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?
Yes, you can use a pre-made shawarma spice blend if you prefer a quicker option.
What is the best sauce for shawarma?
Garlic sauce, tahini, hummus, or yogurt-based sauces all pair well with chicken shawarma.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Do not overcook the chicken, and let it rest before slicing to retain its juices.
What sides go well with chicken shawarma wraps?
Serve with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber salad.
Conclusion
This Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wrap is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings Middle Eastern flavors right to your kitchen. With its bold spices, juicy chicken, and fresh toppings, it is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you enjoy it as a wrap or a bowl, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it today and savor the flavors!
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Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful chicken shawarma wrapped in warm pita with fresh veggies and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 4 pita or flatbreads
- 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup red bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled cucumbers (optional)
- 1/4 cup garlic sauce or tahini sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt.
- Add chicken to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm pita or flatbreads on a dry pan or grill for a few seconds on each side.
- Assemble the wraps by adding lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red bell peppers, and pickled cucumbers to each pita.
- Top with the cooked chicken and drizzle with garlic sauce or tahini sauce.
- Fold and serve warm.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Serve with a side of hummus or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 min marination)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
