If you’re craving a delicious, flavorful meal that’s both quick to put together and packed with bold spices, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe – it’s one of those dishes that I keep coming back to because it’s just so darn tasty and satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to impress friends at a casual dinner, these wraps hit all the right notes with juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor Boost: The blend of spices and lemon juice creates chicken that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with shawarma-inspired taste.
- Simple Prep, Big Impact: Minimal ingredients and easy steps mean you can whip this up even on busy weeknights.
- Versatile and Customizable: Use whatever fresh veggies and sauces you have on hand to make these wraps your own.
- Family- and Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t go nuts for this flavorful, healthy meal option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that play so well together. I like to keep my pantry stocked with shawarma seasoning to speed things up, but you can also make your own. The fresh veggies add crunch and brightness, balancing the rich, juicy chicken perfectly.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
- Lemons: Their fresh juice tenderizes the meat and adds brightness.
- Garlic: Smash and mince it to release the fullest aroma and flavor.
- Shawarma seasoning: The key spice blend for authentic Middle Eastern flavor; store-bought or homemade works.
- Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful after cooking.
- Pitas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
- Tomato, cucumber, red onion: Fresh veggies to brighten the wraps with crispness and color.
- Red cabbage: Adds a little crunch and vibrant purple hue.
- Tzatziki dip: Creamy and cooling, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
Variations
I love how versatile this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe is. You can easily swap or add ingredients depending on what you’re in the mood for, which makes it great for keeping things fresh and exciting over time.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the marinade for an extra kick—my family loves the heat!
- Greens swap: Instead of cabbage, try shredded lettuce or spinach to mix texture and flavor.
- Protein alternatives: I’ve made these wraps with chicken breasts, or even lamb strips when feeling fancy, and they turn out excellent.
- Dairy-free variation: Skip the tzatziki and serve with a tahini drizzle for a creamy, nutty finish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice from two lemons, and the minced garlic in a large bowl. Whisk these together with your shawarma seasoning until everything’s well mixed. I find this step so satisfying because the scent of garlic and spices fills the kitchen—gets me excited to cook!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, add the chicken thighs to your marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Honestly, I often let mine marinate overnight—it really tenderizes the meat and deepens the flavors. But if you’re short on time, an hour works just fine.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a greased baking sheet—be sure to spread them out, so they roast evenly. I sometimes use two baking sheets if needed, so nothing steams. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and you start seeing a slight char on the edges. That little char adds so much flavor!
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after roasting—this keeps the juices locked in. Then slice it into small strips, ready to pile into warm pitas along with your sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, crunchy red cabbage, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. This is where your wrap really starts to come alive!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
- Marinate Longer, Taste Better: I learned that marinating overnight takes your chicken from good to truly spectacular in tenderness and flavor.
- Char Those Edges: Don’t be afraid of a little charring—it adds complexity and authenticity to the shawarma taste.
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, especially compared to leaner breast meat.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it moist and delicious.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping these wraps with extra fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness. A squeeze of extra lemon juice right before eating adds an irresistible zing. If you like it spicy, some hot sauce or pickled jalapeños are perfect options too.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these shawarma wraps are simple but tasty: crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh Greek salad. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve a side of homemade hummus for dipping—so good!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to turn these wraps into a shawarma platter — lay everything out family-style with all the fixings on separate plates so everyone can build their own wraps. It makes for a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to three days. When I’ve had leftovers, I just reheat them gently in a skillet so the chicken stays juicy rather than drying out in the microwave.
Freezing
For make-ahead prep, I often freeze the chicken in its marinade in Ziplock bags. Once defrosted in the fridge, the chicken is ready to roast. You can also freeze cooked chicken up to three months—it reheats well and keeps flavor intact.
Reheating
Reheating in a hot skillet with a little olive oil is my favorite method—it revives the crispy edges and keeps the meat juicy. If you’re reheating pita too, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breast will work fine too. Just be careful not to overcook them since breast meat tends to dry out faster. You may want to reduce the roasting time slightly and keep an eye on internal temperature.
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How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
At least one hour is necessary to infuse your chicken with shawarma spices, but I’ve found that letting it marinate overnight in the fridge yields the most tender, deeply flavored results—if you can wait that long!
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Can I make the shawarma seasoning at home?
Definitely! You can combine spices like black pepper, allspice, garlic powder, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, chili powder, oregano, and kosher salt to create a homemade mix that’s fresh and vibrant. This lets you adjust the flavors exactly how you like.
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What are some good alternatives to tzatziki sauce?
If you’re not a fan of tzatziki or want a dairy-free option, try tahini sauce, garlic hummus, or a simple yogurt-based sauce with lemon and herbs. Each brings a creamy, cooling balance to the spicy chicken.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe turns out every time—the balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors is just unbeatable. When I first made it, I was hooked on how simple it is yet so richly flavored, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen that everyone in my family requests regularly. If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, customizable, and full of bold Middle Eastern vibes, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it, I promise!
Print
Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 wraps 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Wrap recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs roasted to perfection and served with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki in warm pita bread. A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 whole lemons, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3½ teaspoons shawarma seasoning (such as McCormick or homemade blend)
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Wrap Assembly
- 6 pitas
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced red cabbage
- ½ cup tzatziki dip
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and shawarma seasoning until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Roast the chicken: Spread the marinated chicken thighs evenly on a greased baking sheet, using two if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Rest and slice the chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice into small, thin strips suitable for wrapping.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay out pita breads and layer with sliced chicken, tomato, cucumber, red onion, red cabbage, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki dip.
- Serve: Roll up the pitas tightly and serve immediately for a delicious and authentic chicken shawarma wrap experience.
Notes
- DIY shawarma seasoning: Combine 2 tsp each ground black pepper, allspice, and garlic powder; 1 tsp each cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom; ½ tsp each chili powder, dried oregano, and kosher salt.
- To maximize garlic flavor, smash cloves with the flat side of a knife before mincing.
- Marinating for 1 hour is sufficient, but marinating overnight improves tenderness and flavor depth.
- Stovetop alternative: Cook chicken in a hot oiled pan for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Grill alternative: Preheat grill to medium-high (350-400°F), cook chicken 6-10 minutes per side until internal temperature is 165°F.
- Make-ahead tip: Freeze chicken and marinade in a Ziplock bag; defrosting in the fridge will marinate the chicken.
- Storage: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg

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