Chicken Shawarma Wrap Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Quick

Bring the authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to your kitchen with this Chicken Shawarma Wrap Recipe. Marinated in a blend of spices, lemon, and garlic, the chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Wrapped in soft pita with fresh vegetables and creamy garlic sauce, it’s the perfect lunch, dinner, or grab-and-go meal.

Unlike restaurant versions, this homemade recipe is quick, uses simple ingredients, and can be made entirely in your kitchen. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup yogurt or garlic sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine olive oil, spices, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
2. Cook Chicken:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Assemble Wraps:
   Lay out pita bread. Layer shredded lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber slices, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with yogurt or garlic sauce.
4. Roll and Serve:
   Fold pita around fillings tightly. Slice in half if desired and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma Wrap

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
• Crispy Edges: Broil chicken for 1–2 minutes after cooking for slightly charred edges.
• Extra Creaminess: Mix garlic sauce with a little tahini for richer flavor.
• Meal Prep: Make chicken ahead and assemble wraps as needed for a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fries, roasted vegetables, or salad.
• Pair with pickled vegetables for an authentic Middle Eastern touch.
• Great for lunchboxes, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings.

Variations

• Spicy Shawarma: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Vegan Option: Use marinated tofu or seitan instead of chicken.
• Flatbread Choice: Use naan, tortillas, or lavash for variation.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Shawarma originated in the Middle East and has become popular worldwide. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this homemade version adapts the technique for a skillet or grill while maintaining bold, aromatic flavors. Shawarma is celebrated for its rich spice blend and combination of tender meat with fresh, crisp vegetables.

Nutritional Notes

This Chicken Shawarma Wrap provides lean protein, fiber from vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt. Using whole wheat pita increases fiber content and adds extra nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy yet full of authentic flavor
• Juicy, tender chicken with aromatic spices
• Perfectly balanced with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce
• Family-friendly and versatile for any meal
• Great for meal prep or last-minute dinners

Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Juicy, flavorful chicken shawarma wrapped in soft pita with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 wraps

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Quick Meal

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon juiced

Wrap Ingredients

• 4 pieces pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 medium tomato sliced
• 0.5 cucumber sliced
• 0.25 cup yogurt or garlic sauce for drizzling

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Combine olive oil, spices, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Lay out pita breads. Layer lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with yogurt or garlic sauce.
4. Roll wraps tightly, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinating longer intensifies flavors; chicken can be cooked ahead for meal prep.