Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Published: February 22, 2026
Jimmy JohnsonJimmy Johnson
Tags: Dinner, Chicken, Middle Eastern, Weeknight, Street Food, Wrap

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

  1. 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.

  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours. If short on time, even a 10-minute rest adds flavor.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.