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Middle Eastern Chicken Wrap

Featured in Quick Lunch Recipes.

Enjoy the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this grilled chicken shawarma wrap. Marinated in a blend of garlic, lemon, cumin, paprika, and coriander, the tender chicken thighs are grilled to perfection for a smoky finish. Paired with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions, all wrapped in warm pita bread, this dish comes together with a creamy yogurt and Sriracha sauce. Perfect for a flavorful meal at home, this easy-to-make wrap offers an unforgettable burst of taste in every bite.

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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Sat, 03 May 2025 03:22:23 GMT
Two chicken sandwiches with lettuce and tomatoes. Pin it
Two chicken sandwiches with lettuce and tomatoes. | lastminrecipes.com

This homemade chicken shawarma brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors right to your kitchen. It's a family favorite that transforms simple ingredients into a meal that's both impressive and comforting.

I first made this shawarma when trying to recreate a memorable meal from our trip to Lebanon. Now my family requests it weekly, gathering around the table to build their own perfect wraps with all the fixings.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thigh fillets: Their higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during grilling. Look for even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Garlic and lemon juice: These provide the acidic base that tenderizes the meat while adding brightness.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality oil as it forms the foundation of your marinade.
  • Spice blend: The combination of coriander, cumin, paprika, and allspice creates the signature shawarma flavor profile. Freshly ground spices will give you the most potent flavor.
  • Pita bread: Seek out soft, pliable pitas from Middle Eastern markets if possible.
  • Fresh vegetables: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions provide texture and freshness.
  • Yogurt sauce: This cooling element balances the warm spices perfectly. Use Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marinade:
Combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and all spices in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly to create an emulsion. The oil helps the flavors adhere to the chicken while the acid from the lemon begins breaking down proteins.
Marinate the chicken:
Coat chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered. Allow to rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour but preferably overnight. The longer marination develops deeper flavor penetration into the meat.
Make the sauce:
Blend yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, garlic powder and onion powder until smooth and creamy. The combination of creamy dairy with spicy elements creates a perfect balance. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld together.
Grill the chicken:
Cook marinated thighs over medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side until charred exteriors develop while maintaining juicy interiors. Look for nice grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the meat rest before slicing to retain juices.
Slice and assemble:
Cut chicken into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Warm pitas slightly and layer with sauce, vegetables and meat. The assembly order matters for structural integrity of your shawarma.
A chicken sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce. Pin it
A chicken sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce. | lastminrecipes.com

The allspice in this recipe is my secret weapon. Many home cooks skip it but this single ingredient brings an authentic warmth that transforms ordinary grilled chicken into true shawarma. My Lebanese neighbor actually complimented this recipe, saying it reminded her of home.

Make Ahead Options

The marinade can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor profile as the spices have time to bloom. The yogurt sauce also benefits from being made a day ahead, allowing the garlic notes to mellow and integrate fully. Chicken can be grilled and sliced up to two days before serving, then gently reheated with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Substitutions Guide

For a lighter version, substitute chicken breast for thighs but reduce cooking time to prevent dryness. Turkey cutlets also work well with minimal recipe adjustments. Plant based eaters can replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan, marinating for at least two hours. The yogurt sauce can be made dairy free using coconut yogurt, though you may need to add a squeeze of lemon to replicate the tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional shawarma is served with an array of accompaniments. Consider offering bowls of pickled vegetables, especially turnips and cucumbers, to add brightness. A simple tabbouleh salad makes an excellent side dish, with its fresh herbs complementing the warm spices. For an impressive spread, include hummus, baba ganoush, and warm olives. Some families enjoy french fries tucked right into their shawarma wrap for added texture.

A plate of food with a sandwich and a bowl of sauce. Pin it
A plate of food with a sandwich and a bowl of sauce. | lastminrecipes.com

This recipe brings both comfort and excitement to my family table every single week. Enjoy the rich flavors and freedom to adapt with your favorite accompaniments!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal to allow the spices to fully penetrate.

→ Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but thighs provide a juicier and more flavorful result.

→ What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

You can warm the pita on a grill for a few seconds on each side or wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Absolutely! Increase or decrease the Sriracha sauce based on your spice preference.

→ What can I serve alongside the wrap?

Serve it with fries, a simple cucumber yogurt salad, or a side of hummus for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

→ How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and it has nice grill marks on the outside.

Middle Eastern Delight Wrap

Savor bold Middle Eastern flavors in this fresh, spiced grilled chicken pita wrap.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
16 Minutes
Total Time
36 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Lunch Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 2 lbs chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 3 tbsp lemon juice
04 3 tbsp olive oil
05 2 tsp ground coriander
06 2 tsp ground cumin
07 2 tsp paprika
08 2 tsp salt
09 1 tsp ground allspice
10 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ Serving Components

11 8 pieces pita bread
12 3 cups lettuce, shredded
13 1 red onion, thinly sliced
14 4 tomatoes, sliced

→ Yogurt Sauce

15 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
16 2 tbsp mayonnaise
17 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
18 1 tsp garlic powder
19 1 tsp onion powder
20 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken thigh fillets to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 02

In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 03

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Grill the chicken thigh fillets for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips.

Step 04

Warm the pita bread either on the grill for a few seconds on each side or in the oven wrapped in foil.

Step 05

Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce onto each warmed pita bread. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and grilled chicken slices. Drizzle with additional sauce if desired. Serve immediately, either wrapped in the pita bread or as an open-faced sandwich.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (pita bread)
  • Contains dairy (yogurt, mayonnaise)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480.5
  • Total Fat: 18.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44.2 g
  • Protein: 34.8 g