Tender grilled chicken shawarma seasoned with Middle Eastern spices wraps in warm flatbreads with tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy garlic sauce—an easy, flavor-packed handheld that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Middle Eastern flavors: A vibrant blend of spices brings authentic shawarma taste to your kitchen.
- Textural contrast: Juicy chicken, crisp pickles, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce make every bite exciting.
- Meal-prep friendly: Prep components ahead, then assemble wraps fresh for quick lunches or dinners.
- Highly customisable: Swap protein, veggies, or spice level to suit your preference.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Shawarma seasoning (ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon)
- Olive oil
- Flatbreads or pita wraps
- Pickled vegetables (e.g., cucumber, carrot, onion)
- Fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, mint
- Garlic sauce or tzatziki
- Lemon wedges
- Salt and black pepper
directions
- Marinate the chicken: Toss chicken with olive oil, shawarma seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let rest 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Pickle the veggies: Quick-pickle sliced cucumber, carrot, and red onion in vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side (thighs) or until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Let rest.
- Warm the wraps: Lightly heat flatbreads or pitas on the grill or skillet.
- Assemble wraps: Spread garlic sauce on flatbreads, top with sliced chicken, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Roll and serve: Tightly wrap and slice in half on a diagonal for presentation.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Makes 4 wraps
- Prep time: 20 minutes (including marinating and pickling)
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35–60 minutes (depending on marinating length)
Variations
- Protein swap: Use tofu, lamb, beef, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Spice variation: Add cayenne to seasoning mix or use za’atar for herbal notes.
- Wrap upgrade: Use lettuce leaves or gluten-free flatbreads.
- Dairy-free: Substitute garlic sauce with tahini sauce for a dairy-free option.
- Topping creativity: Include avocado slices, tomato, or feta cheese.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Keep chicken, pickled veggies, sauce, and wraps separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm chicken briefly in a skillet or microwave. Refresh picks with a little pickle liquid if needed, then assemble the wrap.
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best for shawarma?
Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts are leaner and work well when not overcooked.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes for flavor; overnight yields deeper taste.
Can I make the pickles ahead of time?
Yes—quick-pickles can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes—bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for about 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
Is flatbread necessary?
No—substitute pita, tortillas, or even serve over rice as a bowl.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use tahini or vegan garlic sauce instead of yogurt-based dressings.
What herbs are essential?
A mix of parsley, cilantro, and mint adds fresh vibrancy—feel free to adjust based on preference.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes—slice or shred the chicken and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
How spicy is this wrap?
Adjust the seasoning to taste. Add smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat.
What sides pair well with these wraps?
Serve with pita chips, hummus, tabbouleh, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Veggies offer a bold, healthy, and customizable flavor journey in every bite. Quick to assemble and ideal for any meal situation, they bring global taste to your everyday table.
Craving more international-inspired wraps? Share your shawarma creations and subscribe to receive fresh, flavorful recipes delivered weekly!
PrintGrilled Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Veggies
Tender grilled chicken shawarma seasoned with Middle Eastern spices wraps in warm flatbreads with tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35–60 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 flatbreads or pita wraps
- 1/2 cup pickled cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup pickled carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup garlic sauce or tzatziki
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken with marinade and let rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Quick-pickle sliced cucumber, carrot, and red onion in a mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Warm flatbreads or pita on the grill or skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
- To assemble, spread garlic sauce on each wrap, then layer with sliced chicken, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Roll the wraps tightly and slice diagonally to serve.
Notes
- Use tofu, lamb, beef, or chickpeas as alternative protein options.
- Add cayenne for more heat, or za’atar for a herby twist.
- Use gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for dietary needs.
- Substitute garlic sauce with tahini or vegan dressing for a dairy-free version.
- Enhance with avocado, tomato, or feta cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg