Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 7 hrs
Total Time 7 hrs 55 mins
Cooking Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Courses: Dinner, Lunch
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

These Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps are packed with bold Middle Eastern flavors, featuring tender marinated chicken, warm flatbread, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe is easy to prepare at home and delivers restaurant-quality taste with a delicious spicy kick.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken Marinade
  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs (cut into strips)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon (optional, for authentic flavor)
  • For the Wrap Base
  • 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup thinly sliced onions
  • For the Garlic Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • For Extra Spice (Optional)
  • 1 –2 tbsp hot sauce or chili sauce
Instructions
    Prepare the Marinade
  1. 1
    In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Mix well until it forms a smooth, thick marinade. This mixture is the key to achieving juicy and flavorful shawarma.
  2. Marinate the Chicken
  3. 2
    Add the chicken strips to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will be.
  4. Cook the Chicken
  5. 3
    You can cook the chicken using either method:
  6. 4
    • Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  7. 5
    • Oven: Preheat oven to 200°C. Spread chicken on a baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. 6
    Ensure the chicken develops slight caramelization for authentic shawarma flavor.
  9. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
  10. 7
    In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  11. Warm the Bread
  12. 8
    Lightly heat the pita or flatbread on a dry pan or in the oven for 1–2 minutes. This makes it soft and easier to wrap.
  13. Assemble the Wraps
  14. 9
    Place a portion of cooked chicken in the center of each flatbread. Add lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce and optional chili sauce for extra heat.
  15. Wrap and Serve
  16. 10
    Fold the sides of the bread inward and roll tightly to form a wrap. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Note
  • Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breast can also be used.
  • Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and hot sauce according to your preference.
  • Make Ahead: Marinated chicken can be stored overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Storage: Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Healthy Option: Use whole wheat wraps and low-fat yogurt for a lighter version.
Keywords: quick, easy, flavorful, spicy, homemade
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/spicy-chicken-shawarma-wraps/