Name: Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); Salt and pepper (to taste); 4 large pita bread or flatbreads; 1/2 cup tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce; Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish)); Sliced cucumber (tomato, and red onion (optional, for topping))

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Craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and easy to enjoy on the go? Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps are a Spiced Handheld Meal featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm, soft pita. Ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or gathering, these wraps are customizable and packed with Middle Eastern-inspired spices. Make Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps

Here’s what you’ll need for Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps (serves 4):

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ground paprika
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large pita bread or flatbreads
½ cup tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sliced cucumber, tomato, and red onion (optional, for topping)

Equipment

Medium mixing bowl
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Knife and cutting board
Airtight containers for storage

Ingredient Tips

Chicken: Thinly slice for even cooking; chicken thighs can be used for juicier results.
Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor; adjust cayenne for desired heat.
Pita/Flatbread: Choose soft, pliable pita or flatbreads for easy wrapping.
Tahini/Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Store-bought or homemade adds creamy balance; adjust to taste.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed enhances brightness; bottled works in a pinch.

Directions for Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps

Let’s make these Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps—a Spiced Handheld Meal!

Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, I mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp coriander, ½ tsp allspice, ½ tsp cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. I add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast, stir to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat the Grill

I preheat my grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C) for perfect grill marks and even cooking.

Grill the Chicken

I place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and nicely charred. I remove the chicken and slice it into strips if needed.

Warm the Pita

I warm 4 pita breads or flatbreads on the grill for 1–2 minutes, flipping once, until soft and pliable, ready for the Spiced Handheld Meal.

Assemble the Wraps

I place chicken strips in the center of each warm pita, drizzle with ½ cup tahini or garlic yogurt sauce, and add optional toppings like cucumber, tomato, and red onion. I sprinkle with fresh parsley, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to create Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps.

Serve

I serve the wraps immediately while warm and flavorful.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Servings: 4
Calories: ~400 kcal per wrap
Macros per Wrap: 40g carbs, 30g protein, 15g fat, 3g fiber

Variations for Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps

Try these twists on Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps:

Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne to 1 tsp or add sriracha for a fiery Spiced Handheld Meal.
Veggie Boost: Add roasted bell peppers or shredded lettuce for extra crunch.
Vegan Version: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas and use vegan yogurt sauce for a plant-based Spiced Handheld Meal.
Feta Crumble: Sprinkle 2 tbsp crumbled feta over the filling for a tangy twist.
Hummus Spread: Replace tahini with hummus for a creamy, nutty flavor.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl for a Middle Eastern feast.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ hummus and pita chips for dipping.
Offer at a picnic with a side of tabbouleh salad.

Storage

I store leftover chicken and pita separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. The chicken stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while pita can be kept at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes. I warm the pita in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or on a grill for 1 minute. For freezing, I freeze cooked chicken strips in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps on a platter with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant look.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra tahini sauce.
Pairing: Enjoy with iced tea or Layla Cooks’ mint lemonade to complement the Spiced Handheld Meal.
Portion Size: One wrap per person for a meal; half for a light lunch.
Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, picnics, or casual gatherings.

FAQs About Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps

Here are answers to some common questions about Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, I can absolutely use chicken thighs if I prefer. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts, so they make a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook.

Can I make the shawarma wraps ahead of time?
I can prepare the chicken and marinade the night before, which saves me time on the day I’m making the wraps. I can also pre-cook the chicken and store it in the fridge, assembling the wraps when I’m ready to serve. However, I recommend warming the pita just before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe can be adjusted for spice level by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper. I can keep it mild by leaving it out or add extra for a spicy kick. The tahini or garlic yogurt sauce also helps balance any heat if I decide to add the cayenne.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, if I don’t have access to a grill, I can use a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stove. It won’t have the same smoky flavor, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to cook the chicken on medium-high heat to get a nice sear.

What should I serve with Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wraps?
I love serving this wrap with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Hummus and extra sauce for dipping also make excellent additions.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Shawarma Grilled Wrap is one of my go-to recipes for a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. The tender, spiced chicken, warm pita, and fresh toppings make for the perfect handheld meal. It’s versatile, so I can tweak it to suit my tastes or use whatever ingredients I have on hand. Whether for a casual dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!