Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 20g)
- 10g (1 tbsp) ground cumin
- 10g (1 tbsp) ground coriander
- 7g (2 tsp) smoked paprika
- 5g (1 tsp) turmeric powder
- 5g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
- 2g (1/2 tsp) cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 60ml (1/4 cup) plain yogurt
- 2 medium lemons, juiced (approximately 80ml or 1/3 cup)
- 4 large pita breads or wraps
- 125g (5 oz) fresh lettuce leaves
- 150g (1 cup) sliced cucumbers
- 200g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g (3.5 oz) tahini sauce or hummus, for serving
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, plain yogurt, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown. If using a grill pan, you can capture the trademark grill lines for an authentic look. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Lay the pita breads or wraps on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of tahini sauce or hummus over the surface of each wrap. Top with a mixture of lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Add the sliced chicken shawarma on top of the vegetables. Roll the pita tightly, tucking in the edges as you go, and wrap each shawarma in aluminum foil to hold its shape.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chicken Shawarma Wraps warm, paired with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or more tahini if desired. These wraps are perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, or as a portable meal option for a busy schedule.
Conclusion
Congratulations on crafting such a flavorful dish that beautifully captures the essence of traditional Chicken Shawarma. This journey through spices and textures underlines the rich culinary tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine. With each wrap offering a mosaic of flavors and aromas, you’ll find the joy in every bite. We hope this Chicken Shawarma Wraps recipe becomes a versatile favorite, providing comfort and delight to your dining table.
