Chef Mitchell preparing Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered chicken shawarma during my travels in the Middle East and fell in love with the fragrant spices and tender meat. Over the years, I perfected my recipe, combining traditional techniques with fresh ingredients. These wraps have been a hit with my family and friends, and I love sharing them with everyone. It’s a recipe that brings people together, creating delicious memories."

Chef Mitchell has extensive experience in Mediterranean cuisine, specializing in dishes that celebrate rich flavors and healthy ingredients. His passion for cooking shines through in every recipe he creates, particularly those that reflect his travels. With a focus on fresh, local produce, Chef Mitchell brings authenticity to his culinary creations.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A mouthwatering display of Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps filled with colorful vegetables and spices.

Why This Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe Works

This chicken shawarma wrap recipe stands out due to its authentic flavors and simple preparation. The marination process ensures the chicken is tender and packed with flavor, while the fresh vegetables add a crisp contrast. Moreover, you can easily customize the wraps with your favorite ingredients.

The flavor profile is rich and aromatic, thanks to the combination of spices like cumin and coriander. The texture is a delightful mix of tender chicken and crunchy veggies, all enveloped in a soft tortilla. Cooking the chicken in a skillet gives it a lovely char, enhancing the overall taste.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until you are ready to assemble the wraps.

You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey for a leaner option. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, consider using grilled halloumi or falafel.

Grilling the chicken is an excellent method for enhancing the smoky flavor, but pan-searing also works wonderfully for achieving a nice crust. You can also bake it in the oven if preferred, just ensure it stays moist.

To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it and ensure it’s properly marinated. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness can help, aiming for 165°F (75°C) internally.

The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with no pink remaining. Juices should run clear when pierced, and a meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C).

These wraps pair beautifully with a side of hummus and pita, or a fresh tabbouleh salad. You can also serve them with a yogurt sauce for dipping.

Absolutely! To add heat, incorporate cayenne pepper into the marinade or serve with a spicy harissa sauce on the side. Fresh jalapeños also make a great topping.

Store leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and heat in the oven or use a microwave.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Chicken Not Cooked Through

Problem: If the chicken is not cooked properly, it can be unsafe to eat.

Solution: Ensure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C). If undercooked, return to the heat until done.

✅

Tortilla Falls Apart

Problem: Wraps can sometimes fall apart if the tortillas are too dry or overloaded.

Solution: Warm the tortillas before assembling to make them more pliable. Avoid overfilling to ensure they wrap well.

✅

Chicken Lacks Flavor

Problem: If the chicken lacks flavor, it may not have marinated long enough.

Prevention: Ensure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavor.

✅

Too Many Vegetables

Problem: Using too many vegetables can overpower the chicken flavor.

Recovery: Balance the filling by using a moderate amount of veggies and ensuring the chicken remains the star of the dish.

✅

Bland Sauce

Problem: If your sauce is bland, it might need more seasoning.

Prevention: Adjust the sauce by adding more salt, lemon juice, or herbs to enhance the flavor.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If too sweet, add lemon juice or yogurt to balance it out.

Too Salty: If too salty, add a bit of sugar or serve with a side dish to absorb some saltiness.

Bland: If bland, enhance with spices, herbs, or citrus zest.

A colorful array of fresh ingredients for Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps, including chicken, vegetables, and spices.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Selecting high-quality chicken is crucial for the best flavor and texture in your shawarma wraps. Look for organic or free-range options, as they tend to be fresher and more flavorful. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers should be crisp and firm, adding a refreshing crunch.

Using spices that are fresh and aromatic is key to achieving authentic shawarma flavor. Ground spices should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Additionally, using whole spices and grinding them just before use can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean protein option. Look for chicken with a natural pink hue, indicating freshness.
  • Spices: Using a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika creates the signature shawarma flavor. Always opt for fresh spices for the best results.
  • Vegetables: Crisp and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers add color and crunch to your wraps, making them more appealing and nutritious.
A step-by-step visual of cooking Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps, showcasing the marinated chicken sizzling in a skillet.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The cooking process is vital to achieving the perfect shawarma flavor and texture. Searing the marinated chicken over medium-high heat allows for a nice char while locking in moisture. Timing is crucial—overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so be attentive during this step.

Keep an eye on the color of the chicken; it should be beautifully browned on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Resting the chicken after cooking is also important, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

The Secret to Perfect Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps

The key to perfect chicken shawarma lies in the marination process—allowing the chicken to soak up the spices and yogurt not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with incredible flavor that shines through in every bite.

Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Prep 20 min
Cook 30 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
    Creamy base for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
    Adds rich, nutty flavor
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Fresh acidity to brighten
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
    Adds aromatic depth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Enhances all flavors

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
    Cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
    For color and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
    Adds warmth
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
    Earthy undertones
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
    For vibrant color
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    Adds aromatic depth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    For flavor
  • 4 large tortillas
    For wrapping
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
    Crisp texture
  • 1 tomato, diced
    Fresh and juicy
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
    Cool crunch
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    For sharpness

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    In a bowl, combine the chicken breast with paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and yogurt. Mix well, cover, and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Cook the Chicken

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

  3. Prepare the Tortillas

    While the chicken is cooking, warm the tortillas in another pan or microwave to make them pliable.

  4. Slice the Chicken

    Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

  5. Assemble the Wraps

    On each tortilla, layer the sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion.

  6. Wrap It Up

    Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

  7. Serve with Sauce

    Serve the wraps with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as tahini or garlic yogurt.

  8. Enjoy Your Meal

    Enjoy your delicious chicken shawarma wraps fresh and warm!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until you are ready to assemble the wraps.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps pair beautifully with a side of hummus and pita, or a fresh tabbouleh salad. You can also serve them with a yogurt sauce for dipping.

Recipe Variations

To customize your wraps, feel free to add spicy peppers for heat or swap in different proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.