Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Discover the vibrant flavors of a homemade Chicken Shawarma Wrap, a dish that brings the bustling energy of a Middle Eastern street food stall right into your kitchen. Imagine tender, marinated chicken strips bursting with aromatic spices, nestled alongside crisp vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce, all hugged by a warm, soft pita. This recipe delivers an explosion of taste and texture that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare.

Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend lunch, this Chicken Shawarma Wrap is a go-to for its speed and sheer deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal that impresses without demanding hours of your time, and leftovers (if any!) are fantastic for lunch the next day.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma Wrap is a weeknight hero in my house! Honestly, it’s a lifesaver when time is short. You get amazing flavor so easily. It’s so quick to prep. The aromatic spices in this easy chicken recipe make for an unforgettable taste. Plus, it’s super customizable. You can load it up with all your favorite fresh toppings. It’s always a hit with my family and friends.

• Speedy Prep: Marinate and cook the chicken in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor Powerhouse: Aromatic spices create an unforgettable taste.
• Customizable: Load up with your favorite fresh toppings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit with family and friends.

Chicken Shawarma Wrap Ingredients

The magic of a great Chicken Shawarma Wrap lies in the synergy of its parts. You have tender, spiced chicken. Then, vibrant, fresh vegetables. Finally, a creamy, zesty sauce ties it all together. It is a real symphony of tastes and textures that just works beautifully.

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: This is the star. It provides a good protein base. Thighs stay extra moist. Breasts are a leaner choice.
• Olive Oil: It helps spread the spices. It also keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
• Lemon Juice: This adds a bright, tangy taste. It cuts through the rich spices.
• Garlic: A basic aromatic. It infuses the chicken with classic flavor.
• Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper: This spice mix is key to shawarma. It brings warmth and earthiness. Add cayenne for a little heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These are crucial. They highlight all the other wonderful flavors.

For Assembly:

• Pita Breads or Flatbreads: These are perfect holders. They wrap up all the yummy fillings.
• Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Diced Cucumbers, Thinly Sliced Red Onion: These veggies add crunch. They also add color. They refresh the wrap nicely.

For Garlic Sauce (Toumi):

• Mayonnaise: It makes a quick, creamy base for our sauce.
• Garlic: This boosts the garlic flavor. It makes the sauce punchy.
• Lemon Juice: It brightens the sauce. It cuts through any richness.
• Water: This helps get the right drizzling texture.
• Salt: It balances all the flavors together.

Substitutions and Tips:

Want more authentic shawarma? Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the marinade. If mayonnaise isn’t your thing, make a traditional toum. It uses egg whites, oil, and garlic. Or, use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy sauce. Don’t be afraid to try other toppings. Chopped pickles, Kalamata olives, or tahini sauce add amazing depth. Remember, exact amounts are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Now for the fun part! Let’s bring all these delicious components together for your easy chicken recipe. Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing Chicken Shawarma Wrap.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Grab a medium bowl. Toss your chicken strips with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle in turmeric, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you like a little kick. Stir it all up until the chicken is coated well. Cover the bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more yum, let it marinate for up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Get a large skillet or grill pan hot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed. Steaming makes chicken tough. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir now and then until it is cooked through. You want a nice golden-brown color.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Sauce (Toumi)

While the chicken cooks, make your quick garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and minced garlic. Add lemon juice and water. Stir in a pinch of salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. Add more water if you want it thinner. This makes a perfect drizzle for your shawarma wrap.

Step 4: Warm Pita Breads

Warm up your pita breads now. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Heat them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. You can also warm them in a microwave. A quick stint in a warm oven works too. This simple step makes building your wraps much easier.

Step 5: Assemble Wraps

Lay a warm pita flat. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on one half. Pile on your cooked chicken shawarma. Top the chicken with shredded lettuce. Add diced tomatoes and cucumbers. Sprinkle with thinly sliced red onion. It’s starting to look amazing!

Step 6: Fold and Serve

Carefully fold the bottom edge of the pita up. Tuck in the sides snugly. Roll it up tightly to make a good wrap. Serve your flavorful Chicken Shawarma Wrap right away. Everyone will love this easy chicken recipe!

How to Store Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Store your cooked chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The garlic sauce is also good in the fridge. It lasts for about a week. It’s best to assemble the wraps just before you eat. This stops the pita from getting soggy. If you want to freeze parts, store the chicken separately. Gently reheat the chicken before making new wraps for your Chicken Shawarma Wrap.

Tips for Success

Here are my quick tips for making the best Chicken Shawarma Wrap every time:

• Marinate Well: Don’t skip the marinating time. It is absolutely key for tender, flavorful chicken.
• Batch Cook: Cook chicken in batches. This ensures a good sear. It also prevents steaming.
• Warm Pitas: Always warm your pitas. This makes rolling easier. It gives a better texture too.
• Season Smart: Taste and adjust seasonings. Do this in both the chicken and the garlic sauce.
• Prep Ahead: Prep veggies ahead of time. This makes assembly even quicker.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll want:

• A medium-sized bowl is perfect for marinating the chicken.
• Use a large skillet or grill pan for cooking the chicken beautifully.
• A small bowl works well for mixing your garlic sauce.
• You’ll need a whisk or fork to blend the sauce smoothly.
• A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board are essential for prepping veggies.

Serving Suggestions

Want to elevate your Chicken Shawarma Wrap experience? Here are a few ideas:

• Serve alongside some crunchy pickles or briny olives.
• A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad is a perfect match.
• Offer a cool glass of iced mint tea or a crisp white wine.
• Drizzle extra tahini sauce over the top for more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chicken shawarma ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. Overnight marinating offers even deeper flavor. The cooked chicken stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat it before assembling your delicious Chicken Shawarma Wrap.

What if I don’t have mayonnaise for the garlic sauce?

No problem! You can make a traditional toum. It’s a potent garlic sauce made from garlic and oil. Plain Greek yogurt also makes a great base. It yields a lighter, tangier sauce for your shawarma. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Marinate it as directed. You can even thread it on skewers. Grill over medium-high heat. Turn occasionally until cooked through. This method works beautifully for your Chicken Shawarma Wrap.

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