Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe

When I crave bold, tangy Middle Eastern flavors with a fresh and satisfying crunch, nothing hits the spot like homemade Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Packed with spiced, juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and the most irresistible creamy yogurt-tahini sauce, these wraps are the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat—whether it’s a busy weekday or a special gathering with friends.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those magical recipes where the simple, honest ingredients come together to make something truly special. Every element—from the punchy marinade to the tender pita and fresh veggies—brings its own signature to the table, creating Chicken Shawarma Wraps that are packed with flavor, texture, and color.

• Lemons (juiced): The bright, tart notes from fresh lemon juice wake up all the flavors and help tenderize the chicken.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices cling to the chicken during marination.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that signature savory warmth and depth.
• Ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper flakes: This aromatic blend is the soul of authentic shawarma—earthy, smoky, just a touch fiery.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t underestimate these—seasoning makes all the flavors pop!
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets: Choose cutlets about ½” thick for speedy marinating and perfectly juicy results.
• Red onion (wedged): Roasting onions alongside the chicken adds sweetness and a subtle char.
• Plain fat-free Greek yogurt: The base of your luscious white sauce, adding tang and creaminess without heaviness.
• Light mayonnaise: Rounds out the sauce for an ultra-smooth, satisfying texture.
• Tahini: Nutty, rich sesame paste ties everything together with classic Mediterranean flair.
• Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, fresh parsley: These crisp veggies add color, freshness, and crunch to every bite.
• Pita bread: The sturdy vehicle for all those amazing flavors—whole wheat or multigrain are both delicious options.

Variations

There’s no one right way to enjoy Chicken Shawarma Wraps. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts—whether you’re looking for a lighter twist, a protein swap, or just using what’s in the fridge. Play with these suggestions to make your wraps unforgettable!

• Swap Chicken for Other Proteins: Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or try sliced tofu or portobello mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian version.
• Grain-Free Option: Skip the pita and pile the fillings over a salad bowl for a low-carb, gluten-free lunch.
• Spice It Up: Add more crushed red pepper to the marinade or a squeeze of harissa in the sauce for heat lovers.
• Dairy-Free Sauce: Use a dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo for the sauce to keep it fully plant-based but still creamy and tangy.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl—a bright burst of lemon, a hearty drizzle of olive oil, lots of garlic, and those signature shawarma spices. Add your chicken cutlets, making sure they’re well coated, then seal in a zip-top bag and let the flavors infuse for at least 2 hours (and up to 12 for maximum flavor). The chicken will become wonderfully tender and aromatic—totally worth the wait!

Step 2: Roast Chicken and Onions

Line a baking sheet and lay out the marinated chicken, letting any excess marinade drip off. Toss your red onion wedges in the remaining marinade and nestle them on the pan with the chicken. Roast at high heat until everything’s golden and just cooked through, then give it all a quick broil for irresistible caramelized edges. Let the chicken rest briefly so the juices stay locked inside, then slice it thinly for wrap perfection.

Step 3: Mix the White Sauce

While the chicken rests, get your Greek yogurt, light mayo, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic powder into a bowl. Stir until everything comes together into a creamy, tangy, super-smooth sauce—it’s the ultimate topping for your shawarma wraps and may just become your new go-to dip for veggies, too!

Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps

Now for the fun part! Lay out a pita, top with a crisp lettuce leaf, tomato and cucumber slices, a handful of those luscious roasted onions, a pile of sliced chicken, and a generous drizzle of your creamy sauce. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley for color and zing. Tuck and wrap everything up for a handheld meal that’s bursting with color and aroma!

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Garnishes

The final sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it brightens up your Chicken Shawarma Wraps with a fresh, leafy note! You can also add extra lemon wedges on the side, a dusting of sumac for a tangy punch, or a quick shake of chili flakes if you love heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Shawarma Wraps with kettle-crisp baked fries, a big tabbouleh salad, homemade hummus, or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. Even a simple plate of olives and pickles takes this meal to the next level and makes every bite shareable and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a wrap-building station with all the fillings and toppings so each guest can roll their own custom masterpiece—it’s a guaranteed hit at casual get-togethers! Or try slicing wraps into pinwheels for a colorful appetizer platter at your next party or picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra chicken and roasted onions, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and veggies separated so everything stays crisp and fresh for your next round of Chicken Shawarma Wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken (without veggies or sauce) for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, slice, and portion; then thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat when you’re ready to assemble new wraps.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sliced chicken and onions in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, just until hot. Wrap the pita in a damp paper towel and heat briefly, then build your Chicken Shawarma Wraps as usual for a meal that’s nearly as good as fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about crafting Chicken Shawarma Wraps at home—each bite is tangy, spiced, and loaded with color and freshness. I hope you fall in love with this craveable meal and find yourself sharing wraps (and joy) with the people around your table all year long!

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