Chef Mitchell preparing Garlic Shawarma Wrap
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of Garlic Shawarma Wrap during my travels in the Middle East. The perfect blend of spices and garlic sauce inspired me to recreate this dish at home. Over the years, I've perfected my own version, making it a family favorite. The aroma and taste never fail to bring back those cherished memories."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in Middle Eastern cuisine. His expertise lies in balancing spices and creating dishes that resonate with authentic flavors. He enjoys sharing his knowledge through recipes and cooking classes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A beautifully presented Garlic Shawarma Wrap filled with succulent chicken and fresh vegetables

Why This Garlic Shawarma Wrap Recipe Works

This Garlic Shawarma Wrap stands out due to its rich marinade that infuses the chicken with bold flavors, complemented by the fresh crunch of vegetables. The creamy garlic sauce adds a delightful tang that brings the wrap together beautifully.

The cooking method ensures juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, while the soft pita provides the ideal vessel for all the delicious fillings. It's a satisfying yet healthy meal that everyone will love.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. This enhances the spices and ensures the meat is tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply warm the chicken and assemble the wraps with fresh ingredients.

You can use turkey or beef as an alternative protein. For a vegetarian option, consider marinating and grilling portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices.

Grilling or pan-searing the marinated chicken provides the best results. Both methods yield flavorful, tender meat while ensuring a slightly crispy exterior.

To prevent dry chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Also, marinating the chicken helps maintain moisture.

The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The pita should be warm and slightly toasted for the best texture.

Serve your Garlic Shawarma Wrap with side dishes like tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple green salad. These light options complement the rich flavors of the wrap.

Absolutely! Add extra cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or top the wrap with pickled jalapeños for an added kick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through before serving.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Dry Chicken Problem

Problem: Chicken can sometimes turn out dry if overcooked.

Solution: To avoid this, monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked just right.

✅

Tough Chicken Texture

Problem: If the chicken is tough, it may not have marinated long enough.

Solution: Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight for the best tenderness.

✅

Flavor Imbalance

Problem: Sometimes the wrap may lack seasoning.

Prevention: Taste the chicken and sauce before assembling the wrap. Adjust seasoning with salt and spices as needed.

✅

Soggy Pita

Problem: Pita bread can become soggy from the sauce or moisture.

Recovery: Warm the pita bread separately and consider serving the sauce on the side to maintain the bread's texture.

✅

Unpleasant Garlic Flavor

Problem: If the garlic sauce is overpowering, it can detract from the dish.

Prevention: Balance the garlic with a bit more yogurt or mayonnaise to mellow the flavor.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If your dish is too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice to balance it out.

Too Salty: To fix overly salty chicken, serve it with a side of unsalted rice or extra vegetables.

Bland: If the wrap is bland, enhance it with extra spices or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

An assortment of fresh ingredients for Garlic Shawarma Wrap including chicken, vegetables, and spices.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Garlic Shawarma Wrap

Selecting high-quality chicken is essential for a juicy and flavorful Garlic Shawarma Wrap. Look for fresh, organic chicken breast for the best results. Fresh vegetables should also be crisp and vibrant to add texture and color.

When it comes to spices, opt for whole spices where possible and grind them fresh for a more potent flavor. Having a good balance of herbs and spices in your marinade will elevate the dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Using fresh, organic chicken breast ensures tenderness and a rich flavor. Look for pieces that are plump and have no discoloration.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the sauce's flavor profile. Use whole cloves and mince them yourself for the best potency.
  • Spices: Quality spices make a huge difference in the marinade. Always check the freshness of your spices; they should be aromatic and vibrant in color.
Chef Mitchell skillfully cooking chicken for Garlic Shawarma Wrap in a hot skillet.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The key to a great Garlic Shawarma Wrap is in the cooking technique. Searing the chicken quickly over medium-high heat locks in moisture while creating a delicious caramelized crust.

Be attentive to the cooking time, as overcooking can dry out the chicken. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure perfect doneness.

The Secret to Perfect Garlic Shawarma Wrap

The secret lies in the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in spices for an extended period elevates the flavors, making every bite a delight.

Garlic Shawarma Wrap

Prep 20 min
Cook 30 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
    Base for the sauce, adds creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    Enhances richness and flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Provides aromatic depth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Adds brightness to the sauce
  • Salt to taste
    Enhances overall flavor

Main

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
    Cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    Key spice for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
    Adds color and sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
    Provides warm color and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    Adds depth to the marinade
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Provides a spicy kick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    For sautéing and flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Essentials for seasoning
  • 4 large pita breads
    To wrap the fillings
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
    Adds crunch and freshness
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
    Provides juiciness and flavor
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
    Adds volume and freshness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Cook the Chicken

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.

  3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt to taste. Mix until smooth and set aside.

  4. Warm the Pita Bread

    In a separate skillet, warm the pita bread over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side until soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven.

  5. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

    Lay a warm pita bread flat on a plate. Spoon some of the cooked chicken down the center. Top with sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

  6. Add the Garlic Sauce

    Drizzle the garlic sauce generously over the chicken and salad topping. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

  7. Wrap It Up

    Fold the sides of the pita over the filling, then roll it from the bottom up to encase everything tightly. Secure with parchment paper if desired.

  8. Serve and Enjoy

    Serve the wraps immediately while warm, optionally with extra garlic sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade garlic shawarma wraps!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply warm the chicken and assemble the wraps with fresh ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Garlic Shawarma Wrap with side dishes like tabbouleh, hummus, or a simple green salad. These light options complement the rich flavors of the wrap.

Recipe Variations

You can customize your Garlic Shawarma Wrap by adding grilled vegetables, swapping chicken for beef or lamb, or making it vegetarian with grilled tofu or chickpeas.