Name: Easy Chicken Shawarma Wrap Recipe with Creamy Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Juice of 1 lemon; 4 flatbreads or pita breads; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 tomato, thinly sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup chopped cucumber (optional); For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp plain yogurt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt to taste

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This Easy Chicken Shawarma Wrap with Creamy Garlic is a delicious and simple way to bring Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen. Juicy, spiced chicken is wrapped in warm flatbread and paired with a luscious garlic sauce, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, lunch, or even a casual dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the authentic flavors of shawarma to your home without complicated steps or special equipment. The chicken is marinated with aromatic spices, then cooked to tender perfection. The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, tangy finish that complements the spiced chicken beautifully. It’s customizable, easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing option.

Easy Chicken Shawarma Wrap Recipe with Creamy Garlic

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken marinade)
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

4 large flatbreads or pita breads
Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion
Fresh lettuce or spinach
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Prepare the garlic sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
Warm the flatbreads:
While the chicken cooks, warm the flatbreads in a dry skillet or oven for 1-2 minutes until pliable.
Assemble the wraps:
Spread a generous amount of creamy garlic sauce on each flatbread. Layer with cooked chicken, sliced vegetables, and fresh herbs if using. Fold or roll the flatbread tightly to form a wrap.
Serve:
Serve immediately with extra garlic sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marination time: 15-120 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25-145 minutes (depending on marination)

Variations

Spicy Shawarma: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and swap mayonnaise for a vegan mayo in the garlic sauce.
Low-Carb Wrap: Serve the chicken and vegetables in lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas instead of flatbreads.
Extra Creamy: Add more Greek yogurt or a touch of tahini to the garlic sauce for a richer texture.
Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese and olives to the wrap for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Keep the garlic sauce separate until serving to maintain its creamy texture. Wraps are best assembled fresh to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just slice them thinly to ensure they cook quickly and remain tender.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate for as little as 15 minutes for quick flavor or up to 2 hours for a deeper, more aromatic taste.

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought shawarma spice mix?

Absolutely. Substitute the individual spices in the recipe with your preferred store-bought shawarma seasoning for convenience.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free flatbreads or serve in lettuce wraps, this recipe is completely gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the wrap?

Yes, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and pickled vegetables make excellent additions.

How can I make the wrap spicier?

Add sliced fresh chilies, a dash of hot sauce, or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What sides go well with shawarma wraps?

Serve with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, pickled vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Shawarma Wrap with Creamy Garlic is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the taste of Middle Eastern cuisine straight to your home. Juicy, spiced chicken paired with creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables makes for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Jane