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Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly and easily, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe. I absolutely adore how the tender, spiced chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic yoghurt sauce, wrapped up with crispy fries and fresh veggies. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe feels like a restaurant-quality treat that anyone can nail at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Flavor: The marinade combines so many warm spices that every bite tastes like an explosion of Middle Eastern goodness.
  • Quick & Convenient: Using frozen fries and simple ingredients speeds up prep without sacrificing taste.
  • Customizable: You can swap out breads, add your favorite toppings, or adjust spices to suit your family’s preferences.
  • Perfect For Any Occasion: It works great for casual dinners, meal prep, or even a fun weekend lunch gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together beautifully in this Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe. Each one contributes a layer of flavor or texture that melds perfectly into a mouthwatering wrap. When you shop, look for fresh herbs and good-quality yoghurt for the best result.

Flat lay of frozen French fries piled loosely, two ripe red tomatoes sliced into rounds, one whole red onion thinly sliced into delicate rings, a small handful of fresh bright green mint leaves, four soft Lebanese flatbreads stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white Greek yoghurt, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth pale garlic dip, raw boneless, skinless chicken thighs arranged evenly, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few cloves of whole fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cardamom powder, a small white ceramic bowl with sweet paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl holding coarse sea salt flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, all ingredients spaced evenly and symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Shawarma Wraps, Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps, Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt, Quick Shawarma Dinner, Middle Eastern Chicken Wraps
  • Frozen French fries: Using frozen fries saves time and adds a fun crunch inside the wrap.
  • Tomatoes: Choose ripe but firm tomatoes so they add freshness without becoming soggy.
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced to keep its crunch and slight sharpness in balance.
  • Fresh mint leaves: Optional but highly recommended for that bright, herbaceous note.
  • Lebanese flatbreads or other flatbreads: I love the softness and flexibility of Lebanese flatbread, but pitas or naan work well, too.
  • Sumac: This tangy sprinkle adds a beautiful citrusy kick; don’t skip if you can find it!
  • Greek yoghurt: Thick and creamy, it’s the perfect base for the garlicky yoghurt sauce.
  • Toum or Middle Eastern garlic dip: This powerhouse garlic sauce makes the yoghurt sauce irresistible, but fresh minced garlic with salt also works.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and flavorful, though chicken breast is fine if you prefer leaner meat.
  • Tomato paste: Adds depth and umami to the marinade.
  • Lemon juice: The acidity helps tenderize the chicken and brighten the flavor.
  • Ground cumin, cardamom, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet and smoked paprika: The heart of the shawarma spice blend that gives that unmistakable warmth.
  • Sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper: Season to balance and enhance the spices.
  • Olive oil: Helps everything bind and cook beautifully.
  • Water: Used to finish cooking the chicken and lift all those tasty browned bits from the pan.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe has become a staple because it’s so easy to adapt to what you have at home or to your dietary needs. I like to switch things up based on the season and who I’m cooking for—feel free to get creative!

  • Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped the chicken for spiced roasted cauliflower or chickpeas when I want a plant-based option, and it’s just as satisfying.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some harissa paste to the marinade for an extra zing; my family loves this kick.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb twist.
  • Marinating Time: While you can cook the chicken right away, letting it marinate overnight ups the flavor—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

How to Make Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fries and Veggies

Start by heating your oven or air fryer and cooking the frozen fries according to the package instructions — I love letting them get extra crispy for that fab texture contrast inside the wrap. While those cook, slice your tomatoes and finely slice the red onion. If you’re using fresh mint, roughly chop those leaves as well. Having everything prepped ahead really makes assembly a breeze later.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Yoghurt Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt with toum or your garlic dip. If you can’t find a ready-made garlic sauce, combine freshly minced garlic and a pinch of salt with the yoghurt—simple and delicious. Set this aside for the flavors to meld while you work on the chicken. This sauce is what really elevates the wraps, trust me.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl and add the tomato paste, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and all those gorgeous spices: cumin, cardamom, garlic and onion powder, both sweet and smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. I’ve learned that tossing everything with tongs really helps get every piece coated perfectly. You can cook immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let those flavors really soak in—I’ve done both and both turn out great.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a thick frying pan over medium–high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken, cooking about 5-6 minutes each side until golden with a slight char. Here’s a trick I discovered: during the last 3 minutes, pour in a little water to loosen the tasty bits stuck in the pan—the fond really adds flavor when you drizzle it back over the chicken later. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 5: Assemble Your Shawarma Wraps

Place your flatbread on a plate and spread a generous spoonful of the garlic yoghurt sauce right in the center. Layer on the sliced chicken, then add crispy fries, fresh tomato slices, red onion, and mint. If you have sumac, sprinkle a little on top—it adds a wonderful tanginess. Fold the sides of the bread up like a taco, and you’re ready to dig in. I always have extra garlic yoghurt on the side for dipping because why not?

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

  • Marinate Overnight: I learned that marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth and complexity of flavors substantially.
  • Get the Chicken Charred: Don’t be shy with high heat to get that slightly crisp, smoky edge—it makes all the difference.
  • Use Thick Yoghurt: Thick Greek yoghurt keeps the garlic sauce luscious and prevents it from making the wrap soggy.
  • Don’t Overload the Wrap: It’s tempting to pile everything in, but a neat fold with balanced fillings helps prevent leaks and mess.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a thick base of flatbread topped with a layer of creamy white sauce. On top of the sauce, there are slices of red tomato and thin rings of purple onion. Grilled pieces of brown, slightly charred chicken are arranged on top of the veggies, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Thick, golden fries seasoned with a dark powder lean on the chicken. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and the food looks fresh and colorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Shawarma Wraps, Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps, Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt, Quick Shawarma Dinner, Middle Eastern Chicken Wraps

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of extra fresh herbs here—sprinkling chopped mint or a bit of parsley on top adds brightness. A dusting of sumac is my go-to for that lemony punch. Sometimes I add thin slices of cucumber for a refreshing crunch that cools the rich flavors down wonderfully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving these wraps alongside a crisp tabbouleh salad or some roasted vegetables. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon dressing also pairs beautifully—light and refreshing to balance the hearty wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at get-togethers, I set up a shawarma wrap bar with all the toppings in small bowls—lettuce leaves, veggies, sauces, and spice mixes—so everyone can assemble their perfect wrap. Lining a platter with the wraps cut in half makes for a colorful, inviting spread everyone loves to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the fries separate if possible to avoid sogginess, and reheat just before assembling to keep that crisp texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked marinated chicken strips works well for meal prep. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the juiciness before using in wraps.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a few tablespoons of water to keep it moist and to scrape up those tasty pan bits. For fries, I pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer briefly to restore crispiness. Bread warms best wrapped in foil to keep it soft.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful to not overcook it, as breast cooks faster and can dry out more easily compared to thighs. Marinating helps keep it juicy.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have toum or garlic dip?

    Don’t worry if you can’t find toum or pre-made garlic dip—simply mix freshly minced garlic with a pinch of salt into your Greek yoghurt. This combo still delivers plenty of garlicky goodness for the sauce.

  3. Is sumac necessary in this recipe?

    Sumac is optional but highly recommended if you can find it. It adds a lovely citrusy tang that brightens the flavors. If you don’t have sumac, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice works as a nice alternative.

  4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. The garlic yoghurt sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Fries are best cooked fresh but can be reheated well.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on bold flavors, and the balance of creamy sauce, juicy spiced chicken, and crisp fries always wins over everyone at the table. Give it a try—you’ll soon have your own “signature” shawarma night, I promise!

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Easy Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 wraps
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A flavorful and easy Chicken Shawarma recipe served with crispy fries, fresh vegetables, and a creamy garlic yoghurt sauce wrapped in soft flatbreads. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with family-friendly customizable toppings.


Ingredients

Fries and Vegetables

  • 400 g (14 oz) frozen French fries
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 red onion, finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp roughly chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)

Breads

  • 4 Lebanese flatbreads, pita breads, wraps, or naan breads
  • ½ tsp sumac (optional)

Garlic Yoghurt Sauce

  • 1 cup (250 g) Greek yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp toum or Middle Eastern garlic dip/sauce, or substitute with ½ tsp freshly minced garlic and ½ tsp salt

Chicken Marinade

  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breast)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
  • 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water


Instructions

  1. Cook the Fries: Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the instructions on the package of frozen French fries. Cook the fries until golden and crispy. Meanwhile, wash and slice the tomatoes and red onion, and chop the fresh mint leaves if using.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Yoghurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt with the toum or Middle Eastern garlic dip. If you don’t have either, substitute with freshly minced garlic and salt. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl. Add tomato paste, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cardamom, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, sea salt flakes, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss thoroughly using tongs so each piece is well coated. For deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate the chicken for up to 24 hours, or proceed immediately to cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add water to the pan to deglaze and loosen the crispy bits at the base. Remove chicken and let it rest briefly before slicing into thin strips. Drizzle with the pan juices.
  5. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps: Lay your choice of flatbread on a plate and spread a generous amount of the garlic yoghurt sauce in the center. Top with sliced chicken, crispy fries, tomato slices, red onion, shredded mint, and sprinkle with sumac if using. Fold the sides of the bread up like a taco to enclose the filling.
  6. Serve: Serve the wraps immediately, with extra garlic yoghurt sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken shawarma!

Notes

  • This recipe is perfect for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and customizable.
  • Chicken thighs provide juicier meat, but chicken breast can be used for a leaner option.
  • Instead of pan-frying the chicken, you can also cook it on a barbecue grill for an added smoky flavor.
  • If toum or Middle Eastern garlic dip is unavailable, freshly minced garlic and salt make a great substitute in the yoghurt sauce.
  • Sumac adds a tangy zest but is optional depending on availability and preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 819
  • Sugar: 23.3 g
  • Sodium: 1462 mg
  • Fat: 37.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 93.8 g
  • Fiber: 10.6 g
  • Protein: 40.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 127.9 mg

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