Chicken Shawarma Wraps – If you’re a fan of street food or Middle Eastern cuisine, this flavorful dish, packed with succulent, seasoned meat and fresh vegetables, wrapped in soft pita or flatbread.
What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish where thinly sliced cuts of meat—typically chicken, lamb, beef, or turkey—are marinated in spices and slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shawarma Wraps
Marinate for Longer : For the most flavorful shawarma, marinate your meat for at least 8 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more the spices will penetrate the meat.
Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat : If using chicken, opt for thighs rather than breasts. Thighs have more fat, which keeps the meat juicy and tender during cooking.
Serve Fresh : Shawarma wraps are best served hot and fresh off the grill. If you’re making them ahead of time, try to only assemble them just before serving to keep the veggies crisp and the bread soft.
Homemade Sauces for Extra Flavor : Make your own garlic sauce (toum) or a creamy tahini dressing. Both pair perfectly with shawarma and elevate the dish beyond store-bought options.
Shawarma Wrap Variations You’ll Love
For those who love heat, add extra chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade and serve with a spicy garlic sauce.
Beef Shawarma Wrap : Use thin slices of marinated beef instead of chicken for a richer, heartier version of this classic wrap. Lamb is also a popular substitute.
Vegan Shawarma Wrap : For a plant-based option, replace the meat with spiced grilled vegetables (like eggplant and zucchini) or use chickpeas or jackfruit to mimic the texture of shawarma meat.
Shawarma Plate : If you’re not a fan of wraps, skip the bread and serve your shawarma over rice or couscous. Add a side of hummus or tabbouleh to complete the meal.
Spicy Shawarma: For those who love heat, add extra chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade and serve with a spicy garlic sauce.
How to Serve Shawarma Wraps
Shawarma wraps are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
As a Quick Lunch: Shawarma wraps are portable, making them perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch at work or on the go.
As Part of a Middle Eastern Feast:Serve alongside dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel for a Middle Eastern spread.
With a Side Salad: A fresh cucumber and tomato salad or a tangy fattoush pairs beautifully with shawarma wraps, adding even more vibrant flavors to the meal.
How to Store Shawarma Wraps
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
It’s best to store the components separately to prevent soggy wraps. Store the vegetables, meat, and sauces in separate containers, and assemble the wraps just before serving. The bread can be wrapped in foil and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Storing Cooked Meat: Store cooked shawarma meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meat for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so in a skillet to maintain its crispy edges.
Storing the Wraps: It’s best to store the components separately to prevent soggy wraps. Store the vegetables, meat, and sauces in separate containers, and assemble the wraps just before serving. The bread can be wrapped in foil and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best meat for shawarma?
Chicken thighs, lamb, and beef are traditional favorites for shawarma wraps. However, you can also experiment with turkey or even plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for a vegan version.
Can I make shawarma without a rotisserie?
Absolutely! While a rotisserie gives an authentic texture, you can cook shawarma in a skillet or on the grill. The key is to marinate the meat well and cook it over medium-high heat to get that crispy, caramelized exterior.
Can I use store-bought pita or flatbread?
Yes, store-bought pita or flatbread works great for shawarma wraps. If you have the time, you can also make homemade pita bread for an extra layer of authenticity.
What sauces go best with shawarma wraps?
Garlic sauce (toum) and tahini sauce are traditional accompaniments. You can also add a yogurt-based sauce or a spicy harissa for some extra heat.
Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Shawarma Wraps - If you're a fan of street food or Middle Eastern cuisine, this flavorful dish, packed with succulent, seasoned meat and fresh vegetables, wrapped in soft pita or flatbread.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2 lb) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
For the Marinade:
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (reduce to ½ tsp for less spice)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp cumin
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
To Serve:
- Finely sliced red onion
- Lettuce (cos or iceberg), sliced
- 4-5 flatbreads (Lebanese or pita)
- Tomato slices
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large ziplock bag, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken thighs, seal the bag, and give it a good massage to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for 24 hours if possible (minimum 3 hours for flavor).
- In a bowl, mix together the Yogurt Sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until needed (it can last for up to 3 days in the fridge).
- Preheat a large skillet or BBQ grill over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side until you get a nice char, then flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest under foil for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken and serve alongside the flatbreads, salad, and yogurt sauce. To assemble your shawarma wrap, spread some yogurt sauce on a flatbread, add lettuce, tomatoes, and the sliced chicken. Roll it up and dig in!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 555Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 1941mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 26g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shawarma wraps are a wonderful mix of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, all wrapped up in soft bread. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight meal or serving them at a family gathering, these wraps are sure to impress. With endless possibilities for variations and toppings, you can truly make this dish your own. So grab your favorite ingredients, marinate your meat, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Middle East right at home!
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