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Chicken Shawarma Pita Wraps – Easy Homemade Recipe with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Juicy, spiced chicken shawarma is tucked into soft pita bread with crunchy veggies and a creamy garlic sauce for a comforting, flavor-packed wrap. This easy homemade recipe delivers Middle Eastern café nostalgia in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 ½ tsp ground paprika
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 large pita breads (or 6 small)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup sliced tomatoes
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ cup sliced cucumber
  • Optional: sliced pickles, chopped fresh mint

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  2. Add chicken thighs, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in fresh parsley if using.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F or heat grill pan over medium-high. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Alternatively, grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred.
  6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
  7. Warm pita bread in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or directly over a flame for a quick char.
  8. Slice tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and shred lettuce. Arrange on a platter for easy assembly.
  9. Lay out a pita. Spread a generous spoonful of creamy garlic sauce in the center. Top with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and pickles or mint if desired.
  10. Drizzle with extra sauce and fold up the pita edges to create a wrap. Secure with parchment or foil for easy eating.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. Use gluten-free pita for gluten-free diets and coconut yogurt/vegan mayo for dairy-free. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Add cayenne for heat or sumac for tang. Air fry chicken for a crispier, lower-oil option.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, pita wrap, garlic sauce, Middle Eastern, easy shawarma, homemade shawarma, family dinner, quick lunch, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

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