This Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap is bursting with bold Middle Eastern flavors, featuring juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and portable meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Why Everyone Loves Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wraps
The combination of tender, spice-infused chicken, crunchy veggies, and tangy sauce makes this wrap a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and a healthier alternative to takeout. For more quick and delicious meal ideas, check out Quick & Easy Recipes for Every Home Cook.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Wrap Ingredients:
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup tzatziki or garlic sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki or garlic sauce onto each pita.
- Layer with shredded lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and grilled chicken strips.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Wrap tightly and serve immediately.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wraps
- Serve with a side of hummus or tabbouleh for a complete meal.
- Pair with pickles or olives for a tangy contrast.
- Add a side of sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
How to Store Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wraps
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the chicken on a skillet or in the microwave before assembling the wraps.
- Keep the vegetables and sauce separate to avoid sogginess if preparing ahead.
Tips to Make the Best Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to infuse the spices.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful results.
- Toast the pita bread for extra warmth and pliability.
Variations of Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Vegan Shawarma Wrap: Replace chicken with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
- Spicy Shawarma Wrap: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red chili flakes in the marinade.
- Cheesy Shawarma Wrap: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or feta inside the wrap before grilling.
FAQs About Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time if using breasts.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken in a hot skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Can I prepare the wraps in advance?
It’s best to store components separately and assemble just before eating to keep the wraps fresh.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
Description
This Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap is made with tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce. A quick, flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Wrap Ingredients:
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup tzatziki or garlic sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices for the marinade. Coat the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill chicken on medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest and slice into strips.
- Warm pita bread, spread with sauce, and layer with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and chicken. Wrap tightly and serve.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use store-bought tzatziki or make your own for a homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 per wrap
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg