Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Shawarma Wrap
These chicken shawarma wraps are one of my favorite weeknight go-tos — bright, flavorful, and unfussy. The chicken gets a quick yogurt-and-spice marinade that keeps it juicy, while a simple garlic-yogurt sauce brings a creamy, tangy finish that ties everything together.
They come together fast and feel like a little street-food celebration at home: warm flatbreads, crisp veggies, pickles for brightness, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sumac. Make a batch and everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Plain yogurt (for marinade)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice (for marinade)
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves (minced, for marinade)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for sauce)
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves (for sauce, minced)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (for sauce)
- 4 pieces Flatbreads or large tortillas
- 1/2 cup English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 pieces Tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Pickles, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Butter or olive oil (for toasting)
- 1/2 tsp Sumac (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
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Slice the chicken thighs into 1/2-inch strips. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade to coat.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours. If short on time, even a 10-minute rest adds flavor.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes.
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While the chicken cooks, make the garlic-yogurt sauce: whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
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Warm the flatbreads in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Brush each lightly with butter or olive oil if you like them toasty.
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Assemble the wraps: spread a couple tablespoons of garlic-yogurt sauce down the center of each flatbread, add a generous handful of sliced chicken, then cucumber, tomato, red onion, pickles, and parsley.
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Sprinkle a pinch of sumac or extra paprika over the filling for a pop of color and tang. Fold or roll the flatbreads tightly and slice in half if desired.
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Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side and enjoy warm.
Tips & Notes
- For the most authentic flavor, use chicken thighs — they stay juicier than breasts.
- Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) when you have time; it makes the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- If you want charred edges, finish the cooked chicken under a broiler for 1–2 minutes or sear in a very hot skillet briefly.
- Make extra garlic-yogurt sauce — it keeps in the fridge for 3 days and is great on salads or roasted veggies.
