Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Shawarma Wrap, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- For Assembly:
- 4-6 large pita breads or flatbreads
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced cucumbers
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- For Garlic Sauce (Toumi):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken strips with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce (Toumi): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency.
- Warm Pita Breads: Lightly warm pita breads in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven until soft and pliable.
- Assemble Wraps: Lay out a warm pita bread. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on one side. Top with cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onion.
- Fold and Serve: Roll up the pita tightly to form a wrap. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a more authentic shawarma flavor, you can add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the marinade.
- Experiment with different toppings like pickles, olives, or a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can make a toum (traditional garlic sauce) with egg whites, oil, and garlic.