Shawarma, a delicious and popular Middle Eastern street food, is loved worldwide for its flavorful, tender, and spiced meat served in wraps. If you’ve ever craved the satisfying taste of chicken shawarma from a restaurant, why not try making it at home? These savory chicken shawarma wraps feature juicy, marinated chicken, seasoned to perfection and grilled until tender, then served with homemade sauces in soft flatbreads. The result is an unforgettable burst of flavors, making this recipe a must-try for any food lover. Best of all, you can customize the spices and sauces to your preference for a personalized touch.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for color and flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Wraps:
- 4 large flatbreads or pita
- Fresh lettuce or mixed greens
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced tomatoes
- Thinly sliced red onions
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water (or more to adjust consistency)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp cumin powder (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, salt, red chili powder, red chili flakes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Immerse the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight to enhance the flavor
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Brush the surface with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauces
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Tahini Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin (if using), and salt. Slowly incorporate water until the sauce achieves your preferred thickness. Aim for a silky texture that isn’t overly watery.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the flatbreads or pitas on the grill or in a dry pan for a few seconds to make them soft and pliable.
- Spread a generous spoonful of the garlic yogurt sauce on each flatbread.
- Add a handful of fresh lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for crunch and freshness.
- Pile on the sliced chicken shawarma, then drizzle with tahini sauce for added flavor.
- Wrap the flatbread tightly around the filling and serve immediately. You can secure it with foil or toothpicks if needed.
Conclusion:
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own chicken shawarma wraps at home, packed with all the flavors you love. The combination of tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade sauces offers a taste that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving this for a casual dinner or a small gathering, these shawarma wraps will impress everyone. Customize the fillings and spices as you like, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.