If you’re craving a flavorful, juicy, and downright satisfying meal that you can whip up without breaking a sweat, then this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this recipe combines bold Middle Eastern spices with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped up in warm pita bread. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to dinner for busy weeknights or casual weekends. Stick around to see how simple it is to get those gorgeous charred edges and tender chicken every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Authentic Flavor: The shawarma seasoning packs a punch that’ll make your taste buds sing.
- Quick & Easy Prep: Marinate once, then bake or grill—perfect for busy days.
- Versatile & Fresh: Loaded with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki for a balanced bite.
- Family Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will go crazy for these wraps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe plays an important role—you want that perfect balance of bright lemony tang, warm spices, and refreshing crunch. Plus, I’ve added some tips to help you choose or prep each component for best results.

- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil; it helps the marinade cling to the chicken and adds richness.
- Lemons (for juice): Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the whole dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Smash and mince for maximum flavor; garlic is the soul of shawarma marinade.
- Shawarma seasoning: You can buy a blend or make your own; this spice combo is what delivers that iconic shawarma taste.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness and flavor—don’t skip them!
- Pita bread: Soft, warm pita wraps everything up perfectly; you can use store-bought or homemade.
- Tomato: Adds juicy freshness and a pop of color.
- Cucumber: Cool and crisp, cucumber slices provide a lovely contrast.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of sharpness and crunch.
- Red cabbage: Gives beautiful color and a slight crunch to balance the tender chicken.
- Tzatziki dip: Creamy, garlicky, and refreshing—this is the shawarma wrap game-changer.
Variations
I like to keep this recipe flexible because everyone’s tastes differ. Whether you’re cooking for kids who want milder flavors or aiming for a more veggie-packed wrap, there are easy swaps you can try.
- Spicy Kick: When I want a little heat, I’ll add some cayenne or harissa to the shawarma seasoning—gives a nice warming spice without overpowering.
- Chicken Breast Swap: If you prefer lean meat, chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook them and dry them out.
- Vegetarian Version: I’ve tossed grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas in the same spices for a delicious meatless option.
- Different Sauces: Tried swapping tzatziki for garlic yogurt sauce or tahini for a Middle Eastern twist my guests loved.
How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and your shawarma seasoning in a large bowl. I always smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of my knife before mincing—that little trick really releases more flavor. Whisk everything until well blended; this marinade is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them well so each piece is coated in that vibrant marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—if you have time, a slow marinade overnight amps up the flavors and tenderness beautifully. I’ve found even 1 hour gives great taste, so don’t stress if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken on a greased baking sheet (or two if needed). Roast for about 25-30 minutes, checking to make sure the edges get a bit charred and crispy—that’s the hallmark of perfect shawarma! The chicken should be fully cooked through and juicy inside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized strips.
Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps
Lay out your warm pita breads and pile on the chicken strips, followed by sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and crunchy red cabbage. Dollop a generous spoonful of tzatziki on top, then wrap it all up. I like to warm the pitas briefly to make them more pliable—makes wrapping easier and tastier.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
- Marinate Longer: I’ve learned that marinating overnight creates ridiculously tender chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let your chicken rest after roasting—this keeps it juicy when you slice it.
- Use Thighs for Moisture: Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful better than breasts, especially with high-heat cooking.
- Warm Pitas Before Serving: Helps them stay flexible and less prone to tearing when wrapped around all the fillings.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe

Garnishes
I almost always sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or mint on top for color and brightness. A drizzle of extra tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon over your wrap adds that final fresh zing that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides with these wraps include crispy roasted potatoes with garlic and paprika, a simple fattoush salad full of fresh herbs and crunchy pita chips, or even some spiced rice pilaf if you want to bulk things up a bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like rolling these Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe into bite-sized pinwheels—perfect finger food that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier. You can also lay out ingredients buffet-style and let everyone build their own wraps, which is always a hit with guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, I always keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads and bowls during the week.
Freezing
If I’m prepping ahead, I marinate the raw chicken in a freezer-safe bag, freeze it, then thaw it in the fridge overnight when ready to cook. Cooked leftovers freeze well too, just portion them out before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to dry the chicken out. Then, reassemble your wrap with fresh veggies and tzatziki for the best experience.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the pita bread for gluten-free wraps, lettuce leaves, or gluten-free flatbreads. The filling and marinade are naturally gluten-free, so just be sure your shawarma seasoning and tzatziki are labeled gluten-free too.
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What is the best cut of chicken to use for shawarma?
I prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender even at high heat. Chicken breasts work as well but can dry out if overcooked, so watch the timing carefully.
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Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop or grill instead of baking?
Yes! On the stovetop, cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet with oil for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. For grilling, preheat to medium-high and grill about 6-10 minutes per side, letting it char nicely.
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How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, overnight marinating is even better—this tenderizes the chicken and infuses more flavor.
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What’s a good substitute for tzatziki if I don’t have it?
You can use plain Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of cucumber or dill. It’s a quick homemade alternative that complements the shawarma flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s so simple but delivers layers of flavor every time. It’s the kind of meal I recommend to friends when they want something impressive yet approachable. Give it a try—you’ll love how the juicy, spiced chicken paired with crisp veggies and creamy sauce comes together so effortlessly. Plus, it’s just plain fun to eat! I can’t wait for you to discover how easy and delicious shawarma at home can be.
Print
Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 wraps 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Wrap recipe features tender, citrusy, and spiced marinated chicken thighs roasted to perfection and served with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki in warm pita bread. It’s an easy and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish perfect for a quick dinner or casual lunch.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 whole lemons (juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3½ teaspoons shawarma seasoning (such as McCormick or homemade blend)
Main
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
To Assemble
- 6 pitas
- 1 tomato (sliced)
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- ½ red onion (sliced)
- 1 cup sliced red cabbage
- ½ cup tzatziki dip
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and shawarma seasoning in a large bowl until fully combined, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for roasting the chicken, ensuring a nicely charred edge and juicy interior.
- Roast the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs evenly on a greased baking sheet (use two sheets if needed for space). Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and develops slightly charred edges.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken into small strips suitable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Wraps: Fill each pita bread with the roasted chicken strips, plus slices of tomato, cucumber, red onion, red cabbage, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki dip. Wrap and serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- *DIY shawarma seasoning: combine 2 teaspoons each of ground black pepper, allspice, and garlic powder; 1 teaspoon each of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom; and ½ teaspoon each of chili powder, dried oregano, and kosher salt.
- Smash garlic with the flat side of a large knife before mincing to maximize flavor release.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though overnight marination will tenderize and deepen flavors more.
- Stovetop Cooking Option: Cook chicken in a hot oiled pan 5-7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Grill Option: Cook on a medium-high grill (350-400°F) for 6-10 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Make-Ahead: Place marinade and chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator to marinate as chicken thaws.
- Storage: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg


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