Craving a delicious, juicy, and perfectly spiced chicken wrap? Look no further! These Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps are packed with bold flavors, crispy textures, and a creamy tahini sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic, homemade chicken shawarma wraps that taste just like your favorite street food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Incredibly Flavorful – The marinated chicken is infused with warm, aromatic spices that create the perfect balance of heat and tang.
✔️ Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed! Just mix, marinate, grill, and wrap.
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a batch and enjoy wraps all week.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level and toppings to your preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Wraps & Toppings:
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ¼ cup pickled turnips or pickles (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cumin
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for best flavor, marinate overnight).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Option 1 – Grill Method:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Option 2 – Stovetop Method:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 3 – Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end for a slightly crispy finish.
✅ Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tahini Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, cumin, and water until smooth.
- Adjust water as needed to achieve a creamy, drizzle-friendly consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the pita breads slightly (on a dry pan or in the microwave for a few seconds).
- Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce on the pita.
- Add sliced chicken, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and feta cheese (if using).
- Drizzle with extra tahini sauce for maximum flavor!
- Fold the pita tightly into a wrap.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Cut the shawarma wrap in half and serve immediately. Pair it with crispy fries, a side salad, or a refreshing yogurt drink for the ultimate meal experience.
Tips for the Best Chicken Shawarma Wraps
✅ Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and more tender than chicken breasts.
✅ Marinate Overnight – The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors.
✅ Grill for Extra Smokiness – Using a grill or cast-iron pan enhances the flavor.
✅ Don’t Skip the Pickles – They add a tangy crunch that balances the spices.
✅ Make Extra Sauce – It’s so good, you’ll want to dip everything in it!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or grilled halloumi cheese.
- Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of pita.
- Extra Heat: Add a spicy chili sauce or harissa for more kick.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Melt mozzarella or cheddar inside the wrap.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🥡 Leftover Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezing Option: Freeze marinated raw chicken in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
🛑 Assembling Later? Keep all toppings separate and assemble fresh for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, easy-to-make, and satisfying meal, these Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps are a must-try! Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Try it out, and let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy shawarma? 🌯🔥