Chicken Kebab Wrap

4.7(583 reviews)

Spiced grilled chicken kebabs wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickled vegetables — the Mediterranean street food classic. Often called shawarma or doner depending on the region. Marinated chicken, intense flavor, satisfying wrap.

Prep Time

16 min

🔥

Cook Time

15 min

🍽

Servings

4

Calories

747 cal

Jump to Recipe
Chicken Kebab Wrap — homemade American fast food recipe with chicken kebab, bread, onion, 4 servings, ready in 31 minutes
Fast Food
Easy

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Chicken Kebab1
  • Bread2 slices
  • Onion1 medium
  • Ginger1 tsp
  • Garlic3 cloves
  • Green Chili1
  • Coriander1
  • Garam Masala1
  • Salt1 tsp

All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Chicken Kebab1
  • Bread2 slices
  • Onion1 medium
  • Ginger1 tsp
  • Garlic3 cloves
  • Green Chili1
  • Coriander1
  • Garam Masala1
  • Salt1 tsp

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice 1.5 lb of boneless chicken thighs into ¼-inch strips. Marinate at least 4 hours: ¼ cup olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon allspice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1.5 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat a cast iron skillet over the highest heat until smoking. Cook the chicken in batches in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.

  3. 3

    Make the garlic sauce (toum-style): blend 1 cup Greek yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

  4. 4

    Prepare quick-pickled vegetables: thinly slice 1 red onion and 1 cucumber. Toss with 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit 15 minutes.

  5. 5

    Warm 4 large flatbreads or pita in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Lay each flat.

  6. 6

    Build each wrap: spread with garlic sauce, layer chicken strips, top with pickled onion and cucumber, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, a sprinkle of sumac (if you have it) or paprika, a squeeze of lemon. Roll tightly. Wrap bottom in parchment.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Long marinade. Mediterranean spices need time. 4 hours minimum, overnight is better.
  • 2.Maximum heat. Restaurant shawarma uses vertical rotisseries at extreme heat. A screaming-hot cast iron pan is your home substitute.
  • 3.Pickled vegetables are essential. The vinegar-sugar quick-pickle adds the bright sour contrast that defines great wraps.
  • 4.Sumac is the secret. The tangy Middle Eastern spice transforms the wrap. Available at Middle Eastern groceries.

🔬 Why It Works

Mediterranean chicken kebab wraps succeed because each element provides specific contrast: hot spiced chicken, cool tangy garlic sauce, bright pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, soft warm bread. The spice blend (cumin, paprika, allspice, cinnamon) is the warm Mediterranean profile that distinguishes this from American or Pakistani versions. The pickled onion provides the sharp acidity that cuts through the rich chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's sumac?
A tangy, lemony Middle Eastern spice made from dried sumac berries. Bright red color. Available at Middle Eastern groceries and online. Substitute: a squeeze of lemon + a sprinkle of paprika.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes — slightly drier. Pound to even thickness. Watch the cooking time (4-5 minutes total, not 8).
Best bread?
Large pita (with pocket), lavash, or large flour tortilla. Avoid hard or crusty breads.
What sides?
Hummus with extra pita, tabbouleh, fattoush salad, or just olives and pickled vegetables. Mediterranean rice pilaf for a substantial meal.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories747kcal
Protein3g
Carbohydrates27g
Fat11g
Fiber3g
Sugar1g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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