Mini Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Mini Chicken Shawarma Wraps are a delightful handheld version of the iconic Middle Eastern shawarma. Traditionally cooked on a rotating spit and shaved thin to order, shawarma has a warm, smoky, slightly tangy flavor with hints of spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic. This mini version delivers all the authentic flavor in small, soft wraps—perfect for parties, lunch boxes, gatherings, or quick dinners.

What makes these wraps truly special is the balance of flavors and textures: juicy marinated chicken, fluffy pita or tortilla, creamy garlic yogurt sauce, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a final drizzle of tahini or lemon juice. Every bite is bold, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The marinade alone is magic—simple spices turn into rich, aromatic flavor that reminds you of street food markets and warm evenings.

Plus, the mini size makes them fun to eat and incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for meal prep, entertaining guests, or satisfying shawarma cravings without complicated cooking steps.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because:

• It’s budget-friendly but tastes like restaurant-quality food.
• The flavors are bold yet well-balanced—savory, tangy, smoky, and creamy all at once.
• It’s customizable—mild or spicy, chicken or vegetarian, soft wrap or lettuce cup.
• It’s quick, easy, and kid-approved.

Once you make it, this will become a recurring favorite in your kitchen.

Recipe Time & Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	20 minutes (plus 30–60 minutes marinating)
Cooking Time	12–15 minutes
Total Time	1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield	10–12 mini wraps
Course	Appetizer / Main Course
Cuisine	Middle Eastern
Estimated Calories	~180–220 calories per wrap (varies by sauce and bread)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breast, sliced thin
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic paste or 3 fresh garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne (for heat)

For the Garlic Sauce (Touma / Yogurt Tahini Sauce)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayo
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1–2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp tahini (optional but recommended)
• Salt to taste

For the Wrap Assembly

• 10–12 mini pita breads or mini tortillas
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup sliced cucumbers
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced onions
• Pickled jalapeños or pickled turnips (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Marinate the chicken by mixing all marinade ingredients and coating the chicken thoroughly. Rest 30–60 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken in a skillet, oven, or grill until browned and fully cooked.
3. Prepare the sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients until creamy.
4. Assemble the wraps: Warm the bread, spread the sauce, add chicken and veggies, then roll tightly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Marinade
   • Combine yogurt, oil, lemon, garlic, and spices.
   • Add sliced chicken and mix until fully coated.
   • Marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight is best for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high.
   • Add marinated chicken and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
   • Optional: Char edges for smoky flavor.
3. Make the Sauce
   • Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
4. Warm the Bread
   • Heat pita or tortillas on a dry pan for 20–30 seconds each side.
5. Assemble
   • Spread garlic sauce on bread.
   • Add chicken and vegetables.
   • Roll tightly into mini wraps.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Extra garlic or tahini sauce
• Fries or potato wedges
• Fresh salad or pickles
• Lemon wedges for extra zest

Perfect for game nights, lunchbox meals, or quick dinners.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest result.
• Don’t skip marinating—it’s crucial for flavor.
• Slight charring gives real shawarma style flavor.
• Warm the bread to keep wraps soft and pliable.

Variations

Style	How to Adapt
Spicy Shawarma	Add harissa or extra chili.
Cheesy Shawarma Wraps	Add mozzarella or feta to wraps.
Vegetarian Version	Replace chicken with tofu, paneer, or mushrooms.
Keto / Low Carb	Use lettuce cups instead of bread.

Freezing & Storage

Storage Method	Duration	Notes
Cooked Chicken	3–4 days refrigerated	Store in airtight container.
Marinated Raw Chicken	Up to 2 months frozen	Thaw before cooking.
Assembled Wraps	1–2 days refrigerated	Best reheated in a pan.

Special Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Small spatula or spoon
• Knife and cutting board

(Optional: sandwich press or toaster for toasted wraps)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes—cook the chicken and store separately. Assemble just before serving.

Q: Can I use naan or roti?
Absolutely! Any soft flatbread works.

Q: Can it be made dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut yogurt and dairy-free mayo.

Conclusion

Mini Chicken Shawarma Wraps are a fantastic blend of bold spices, tender meat, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables—all wrapped in a soft mini flatbread. Whether you’re hosting guests, feeding family, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, it will become one of those recipes you return to again and again—comforting, fun, and unbelievably delicious.