When it comes to satisfying meals that deliver on flavor, ease, and nutrition, Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps are hard to beat. This delightful recipe features yogurt-marinated grilled chicken infused with bold Middle Eastern spices, all stuffed inside warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. The result is a hearty wrap that promises to tickle your taste buds with every bite. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish not only bursts with flavor but also offers a rich variety of textures and aromas that make it a favorite among diverse palates.
These wraps are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. With minimal prep and cook time, you can easily whip up these wraps and even customize them to suit your taste preferences. Plus, since the chicken thighs are marinated in yogurt, they remain juicy and tender while grilling, ensuring a delightful eating experience. Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this recipe also makes for a nutritious meal that aligns with a healthy lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of Greek yogurt and spices creates a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with robust flavors.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes plus marinating, it’s great for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable Wraps: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies and sauces to make it your own.
- Fresh Ingredients: Featuring wholesome, fresh ingredients, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy, making it a perfect family dinner option.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace. Gather all the ingredients and tools you will need. You will require a bowl for mixing the marinade, a whisk or fork, a cast iron skillet for grilling the chicken, and a food processor to create the creamy garlic sauce. Ensure you have a cutting board and sharp knife ready for slicing the chicken and fresh vegetables after grilling.
It’s best to start by measuring out all your ingredients so that everything is within arm’s reach. Prepare the marinade first and allow the chicken to soak up those incredible flavors, giving it at least three hours or preferably overnight. This soaking period will make a significant difference in the tenderness and juiciness of the meat.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4-6 wraps and requires the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (for sauce)
- 1 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded lettuce
- Pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients until you achieve a smooth texture. Next, add the minced garlic as well as the ground spices: cumin, coriander, cardamom, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the yogurt.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Take the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the marinade to adhere better to the chicken. Coat each chicken thigh generously with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate. Ideally, let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight will yield even better results.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a food processor, add the peeled garlic cloves and kosher salt. Pulse the garlic until finely minced. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil and the lemon juice. Alternate between the oil and lemon juice until the mixture emulsifies into a thick, fluffy sauce. At the end of the blending process, add in the ice water to loosen the sauce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken has finished marinating, heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
To assemble your shawarma wraps, start by warming the pita bread or flatbreads. Spread a generous amount of the garlic sauce onto each piece of bread. Add slices of grilled chicken, followed by your choice of fresh toppings like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce, and pickled turnips. Drizzle additional garlic sauce on top if desired, roll up the wrap, and enjoy these delicious Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps immediately.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken thighs with grilled chicken breast, beef, or lamb for a different protein source. You can also try marinating veggies or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Experiment with other veggies like roasted bell peppers, red onions, or shredded carrots for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Customize the spice mix according to your preferences; try adding za’atar or harissa for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken thighs; always check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 400°F for a quicker alternative.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these wraps with a side of crispy French fries or homemade sweet potato fries for a delicious meal.
- A simple cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil makes a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- To add extra flavor, consider adding pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of tahini sauce inside the wrap.
- For a gluten-free version, use lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.
- Ensure all veggies are fresh and crunchy; this adds to the overall texture of the wrap.
- Feel free to meal prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 per wrap
- Protein: 30 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for shawarma?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often recommended for shawarma due to their higher fat content, which keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
Can I make shawarma wraps ahead of time?
While the chicken is best when served fresh, you can prepare the garlic sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for quick assembly when you’re ready to eat.
What can I substitute for garlic in the garlic sauce?
If you want a similar flavor without using garlic, you could use shallots or a garlic-free herb sauce. However, this will change the overall taste.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches the right internal temperature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. With the perfect balance of spiced chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and crisp vegetables, each bite is savory and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for a busy week, these wraps are guaranteed to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and variations to make them truly your own. We hope you give this recipe a try, and we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences, possible variations, and any tips you have for making these wraps even more delicious.
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Juicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor and freshness, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (for sauce)
- 1 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded lettuce
- Pickled turnips
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add minced garlic and spices, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and coat generously with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a food processor, pulse garlic cloves with kosher salt until minced. Drizzle in neutral oil and lemon juice until emulsified. Add ice water to loosen, then set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat, then cook marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- Warm pita or flatbreads, spread with garlic sauce, add chicken and toppings, and roll up to serve.
Notes
To customize, swap chicken for other proteins, add different veggies, or play with spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g