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Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make, you’ll adore this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender marinated chicken paired with a cooling, herby yogurt sauce wraps up everything you want in a quick meal. Plus, you can make it ahead and customize it easily, which is why it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights and casual hangouts.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh, bold flavors: The blend of warm spices and tangy yogurt makes the chicken irresistibly tasty.
  • Versatile and customizable: You can swap veggies or wraps easily to suit your tastes or pantry.
  • Simple prep, big impact: Just marinate, grill, and assemble – no complex steps required.
  • Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients helps you capture the essence of authentic shawarma without the fuss. The spices are simple yet magical together, and the yogurt sauce is the perfect touch to balance all that rich flavor. Here’s a little about what you’ll want on hand:

  • Plain yogurt: Acts as the marinade base to tenderize chicken and infuse spice flavors.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps break down the meat for softness.
  • Garlic (minced): A flavor powerhouse in both marinade and sauce.
  • Spices (cinnamon, oregano, nutmeg, cloves): Key for that warm, signature shawarma aroma – don’t skip!
  • Chicken breasts: Lean and easy to slice for wraps; you can substitute thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: The base of the yogurt sauce, offering tanginess and creaminess.
  • Dill (dried): Adds a fresh herbal note in the sauce.
  • Romaine lettuce: Crunchy, crisp freshness to contrast with tender chicken.
  • Cucumber and roma tomatoes: Classic shawarma veggies, juicy and cooling.
  • Red onion (optional): A bit of sharpness to cut through the richness, but feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
  • Flatbread (naan, pita, or homemade): Wraps everything together; homemade versions bring a charming, personal touch.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is flexible enough to suit various preferences, so I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have in the fridge. Feel free to make it your own!

  • Using chicken thighs: They’re juicier and work great if you want a richer shawarma flavor; just adjust cooking time slightly.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the marinade for an extra kick—my family loves the smoky heat it adds!
  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled eggplant or mushrooms and use the same marinade and sauce for a tasty plant-based version.
  • Wrap swap: If you’re gluten-free, try using lettuce wraps or gluten-free flatbreads—both hold up nicely to the filling.

How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing the marinade ingredients–plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cinnamon, oregano, salt, nutmeg, and cloves–in a bowl. I usually slice the chicken breasts into strips first because it helps the marinade soak in better, but you can leave them whole if you prefer. Coat the chicken thoroughly, cover, and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is where the magic really happens.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooling Yogurt Sauce

While your chicken is marinating, whip up the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, garlic, dried dill, and salt. Give it a quick stir and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. This sauce is what sets this recipe apart—I love how it cools down the warm spices and adds creamy texture.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

When it’s time to cook, heat your grill or skillet. I often use my indoor tabletop grill, which heats quickly and gives some lovely grill marks. Cook the chicken strips about 3-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Don’t rush this step–proper cooking keeps the meat juicy. If you’re using a skillet, just make sure to let the chicken brown well on both sides.

Step 4: Prep Fresh Veggies for Crunch and Color

While the chicken finishes cooking, wash and chop the romaine lettuce, slice the cucumbers and tomatoes, and thinly slice a bit of red onion if you’re using it. Fresh veggies bring balance and brightness that you’ll love biting into.

Step 5: Assemble Your Shawarma Wraps and Enjoy!

Spread a generous layer of that dreamy yogurt sauce onto your flatbread, pile on the juicy chicken strips, then top with your fresh veggies. Roll it up tight—wrapping the sandwich in foil makes it easier to hold without everything spilling out. Trust me, this is where the flavors come together in the most satisfying way.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

  • Slice Before Marinating: Cutting the chicken into strips before marinating helps the spices penetrate better, making each bite flavorful.
  • Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast can get dry quickly—watch closely and pull the chicken from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.
  • Use Fresh Spices: I learned that fresher spices make a noticeable difference in aroma and depth; old, stale spices fall flat.
  • Keep Sauce Separate: Adding the yogurt sauce right before serving keeps the wrap from getting soggy—you’ll thank me later!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

A close-up view shows a woman's hand holding a pita wrap filled with layers. The wrap starts with a soft, light yellow pita bread at the base. Inside, there is a layer of creamy white sauce, topped with bright red tomato slices on the bottom. Above the tomato, there are grilled pieces of chicken with dark browned grill marks. On top of the chicken, there is green leafy lettuce and slices of pale green cucumber, finishing with thin rings of purple-red onion near the opening. In the background, there is another wrapped pita filled similarly on a white marbled surface, along with fresh green herbs, bright red tomatoes still on the vine, and a wooden board partly visible. A blue and white striped cloth is on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top inside the wrap for that extra green freshness. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of extra lemon juice or a pinch of sumac if I have it handy. A few pickled veggies like turnips or pickled cucumbers make a tangy twist I can’t resist either.

Side Dishes

Serve these wraps with a simple side salad of chopped tomatoes and cucumbers dressed with olive oil and lemon, or my favorite is crispy roasted potatoes or seasoned fries. If you’re feeling fancy, a light fattoush salad or some hummus and pita alongside turns this into a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress guests, I layer the chicken and toppings in glass cups as individual shawarma bowls with pita on the side—visually stunning and fun to eat. Another time, I grilled extra veggies alongside the chicken, layered them inside the wrap, and drizzled with a smoky harissa for a colorful burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I keep the yogurt sauce separate to keep it fresh and prevent soggy wraps. Veggies can be prepped in advance, too, so meal assembly is quick during busy days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen marinated but uncooked chicken before with success—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooked chicken freezes okay, but texture changes slightly, so I recommend freezing the chicken and marinating fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, just until heated through to avoid drying out, then assemble wraps fresh with cold sauce and veggies. If you have a toaster oven, it crisps the flatbread nicely and refreshes the whole wrap.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, so they work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.

  2. Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

    While marinating overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness, even 4 hours in the marinade will yield delicious results. The yogurt and spices need some time, but don’t feel pressured to plan that far ahead!

  3. Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! The yogurt sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving to refresh the flavors.

  4. What if I don’t have a grill?

    No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken strips in a hot skillet or oven. Just be sure to brown them nicely on each side and cook through. The flavor is just as wonderful.

  5. What’s the best bread for shawarma wraps?

    I love using homemade naan or pita for wraps because they hold together well and add softness. Store-bought flatbreads work fine too when you’re short on time. For gluten-free options, lettuce wraps or gluten-free flatbreads do the trick.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making these Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients transformed into something so bright and crave-worthy. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen ever since because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I truly believe once you try this at home, you’ll keep coming back to it like my family does. So go on, grab your spices and chicken, and treat yourself to a warm, comforting shawarma experience right in your own kitchen!

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Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Description

A flavorful and easy Chicken Shawarma recipe featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in warm flatbread or naan. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired meal.


Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 large chicken breasts (1.25 lbs)

Yogurt Sauce

  • 7 oz plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Sandwich

  • 1/2 head romaine lettuce
  • 1 medium cucumber
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes
  • 1/4 red onion (optional)
  • 4 homemade naan, pita, or flatbread


Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cinnamon, oregano, salt, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. For more flavor, slice the chicken into strips beforehand.
  3. Prepare the yogurt sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with minced garlic, dried dill, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill on an indoor tabletop grill (or skillet if a grill is not available) until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes depending on your equipment. Flip the chicken to ensure even cooking and char marks if using a grill.
  5. Rest and slice the chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.
  6. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, slice the cucumber and Roma tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion if using. Drain the lettuce well.
  7. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the yogurt sauce on each flatbread or naan. Add the grilled chicken strips, followed by the fresh vegetables. Roll each sandwich tightly and optionally wrap in foil to hold it together while eating.

Notes

  • The amount of red onion is optional; you can use more, less, or omit it based on your preference.
  • Homemade naan, pita, or flatbreads provide the best flavor, but store-bought versions work well for convenience. Cottage cheese wraps can also be used as a low-carb protein-rich alternative.
  • If you don’t have a grill, cooking the chicken in a skillet is a great alternative. Cook until browned and cooked through, though you won’t get the char marks from grilling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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