Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Wrap is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With its delicious blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this wrap offers a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine that is both satisfying and fun to make. The combination of marinated chicken, creamy sauces, and crispy vegetables rolled up in soft lavash creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that many love. Whether for a casual dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

This recipe is straightforward, requiring common ingredients that many people already have in their kitchens. By preparing your own chicken shawarma wraps, you can save money while enjoying a fresh and customizable meal that suits your taste preferences. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the aromatic scents of marinated chicken sizzling on the stove? With each bite, you’ll find layers of flavors coming together that make this dish worthwhile.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Making Chicken Shawarma Wrap is a simple yet exciting process that involves marinating chicken, cooking it to perfection, and assembling the wrap with fresh toppings. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb chicken thighs
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1/2 lemon’s juice
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 tbsp sumac
• 1/2 lemon’s juice
• 1 tbsp parsley
• Lavash
• Garlic sauce
• Harissa
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Pickles
• French fries

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken thighs with the following ingredients: salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, onion powder, turmeric, and sugar. Add the tomato paste and olive oil to the bowl as well. Mix well to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil. After mixing, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the spices to permeate the meat thoroughly.
2. Cook the Chicken After marinating the chicken, it’s time to cook. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and slightly charred in spots. This should take about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the heat.
3. Prepare the Sauce While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, yogurt, and minced garlic (you can use a garlic press or finely chop the cloves). Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then mix until smooth. This sauce will add creaminess to your wrap and balance the spices from the chicken.
4. Make the Sumac Onions Take another bowl and mix the sliced red onion with sumac, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. This mixture should sit for at least 10 minutes. Doing so will soften the onions and allow them to absorb the flavors of the lemon and sumac, enhancing their taste.
5. Warm the Lavash Before assembling the wraps, warm your lavash or flatbread slightly. You can either heat it in the oven for a couple of minutes or quickly toast it in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. This step makes the bread easier to roll and prevents it from tearing.
6. Assemble the Wrap To assemble the Chicken Shawarma Wrap, start by spreading a layer of garlic sauce on the warm lavash. If you like a bit of heat, adding some harissa sauce is optional and will give it a spicy kick. Next, add a layer of fresh lettuce, followed by the cooked chicken, sumac onions, pickles, tomatoes, and lastly, a handful of french fries for crunch. Once all the components are in place, roll the lavash tightly like a burrito or fold it like a gyro.
7. Enjoy! Your Chicken Shawarma Wrap is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s best served warm, and each bite will be filled with flavors and textures that make this dish truly special.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Serving Chicken Shawarma Wrap is quite simple. You can cut the wrap in half for easy handling, especially if serving at a gathering. These wraps go exceptionally well with sides like crispy french fries, salad, or a bowl of tabbouleh. You may also want to provide extra garlic sauce or spicy harissa on the side so your guests can customize their wraps to their liking.

If you have extra ingredients, consider serving them on the side as toppings. Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles can add freshness, while additional sauces can enhance the overall flavor.

How to Store Chicken Shawarma Wrap

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the wraps to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also place them in airtight containers. When stored in the refrigerator, they should last for up to 2 days.

To reheat, unwrap the wrap and place it in the microwave for a short time until warmed through or heat it again on a skillet to regain some of that crispy texture. It’s important to note that while reheating may make the chicken slightly drier, adding a bit of sauce when you reassemble it can help.

Tips to Make Chicken Shawarma Wrap

• Marinating Time: For best results, try to marinate the chicken overnight. This will deeply flavor the meat.
• Cook Chicken Evenly: Cut the chicken thighs into smaller, uniform pieces before marinating. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to play with toppings beyond what’s listed. Avocado, arugula, or roasted red peppers could bring new elements to your wrap.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of spices in the marinade. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, increase the amount of harissa or add some chili flakes.

Variations

While this is a classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap, there are many ways to customize the recipe.

• Different Proteins: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, or even use beef or lamb if you prefer. Vegetarians can replace the meat with grilled vegetables or falafel.
• Wrap Options: Instead of lavash, consider using pita bread, tortillas, or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
• Sauce Variations: Swap the garlic sauce for tahini, hummus, or a yogurt-based dressing to change up the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may cook faster than thighs and can dry out if overcooked.
2. What if I don’t have sumac? If you don’t have sumac, you can substitute it with lemon zest or a mix of lemon juice and a little bit of salt to mimic its tangy flavor.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cooking the chicken and assembling the wraps can be done closer to serving time.
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep! You can prepare multiple wraps in advance and store them in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
5. What sides pair well with Chicken Shawarma Wrap? Sides like tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, or a simple salad complement the wrap well, adding freshness and extra nutrition to the meal.

This Chicken Shawarma Wrap recipe is not only delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to make. Now that you know how to prepare it at home, you can enjoy this tasty dish anytime. Happy cooking!

Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Print Recipe

A delicious Chicken Shawarma Wrap with marinated chicken, creamy sauces, and fresh vegetables, offering a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lb chicken thighs
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1/2 lemon’s juice
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 tbsp sumac
• 1/2 lemon’s juice
• 1 tbsp parsley
• Lavash
• Garlic sauce
• Harissa
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Pickles
• French fries

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, onion powder, turmeric, and sugar. Add tomato paste and olive oil, mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 8 to 12 minutes.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until smooth.
4. Make the sumac onions: Mix sliced red onion with sumac, lemon juice, and parsley. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
5. Warm the lavash: Heat lavash in the oven or skillet slightly to make it easier to roll.
6. Assemble the wrap: Spread garlic sauce on lavash, add lettuce, cooked chicken, sumac onions, pickles, tomatoes, and french fries. Roll tightly and serve.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Adjust spice levels according to preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wrap
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Wrap, Middle Eastern, Recipe, Easy Dinner, Home Cooking