Chicken Shawarma Wrap Sumac Onion

Juicy marinated chicken wrapped in pillowy tortillas with tangy garlic sauce and sumac onions is a meal I return to any time I want a street-food classic at home The flavors and textures in these chicken shawarma wraps make them utterly satisfying and they are always a hit for lunches dinners or feeding a hungry crowd

I was hooked after trying these on a trip to the Middle East and now everyone begs for shawarma night at our house The crispy bits and creamy garlic sauce always disappear first

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breast or thighs: Choose fresh boneless pieces for juicy and tender bites Thighs add more flavor
• Smoked paprika powder: Adds depth and smokiness Try to find Spanish smoked paprika for best results
• Fresh garlic: Essential for aromatic flavor Always choose firm bulbs without sprouting
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken Use a good quality mayo
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and balances the spices Look for extra virgin with mild flavor
• Cumin powder and coriander powder: Bring earthiness and balance to the spice mix Always smell your spices to check for freshness
• Red chili powder and turmeric powder: For warmth and subtle heat Pick a vibrant turmeric for best color
• Black pepper powder: For that classic gentle heat Use freshly ground if possible
• Fresh lemon juice: Essential for brightness in both the marinade and the onions Always use freshly squeezed
• Clarified butter or oil: Used for cooking the chicken Gives a delicious seared finish
• Red onion: For the sumac onions Pick onions that are firm and vibrant
• Fresh parsley: Brings a grassy fresh note to onions and sauce Use flat-leaf for best results
• Sumac: Gives that tangy punch to the onions Should be bright red and aromatic
• Mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ketchup, hot sauce: For the garlic sauce Use top quality and adjust buttermilk for the perfect creamy pourable texture
• Tortilla wraps: Choose soft flexible tortillas big enough for rolling
• Cucumber and tomatoes: Fresh crunchy fillings always pick ripe firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers
• Pickled cucumbers: For sharp acidic snap in every bite Choose brined pickles not overly sweet
• Spiced French fries: For a true shawarma shop experience Use freshly fried or good frozen fries tossed with a sprinkle of shawarma spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

Pat chicken dry and slice thinly to encourage more surface for marinade and faster even cooking In a large bowl combine chicken with salt black pepper garlic powder smoked paprika turmeric red chili powder mayonnaise fresh garlic olive oil and lemon juice Mix thoroughly so every piece is coated Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to develop flavor and tenderness

Mix the Garlic Sauce:

In a medium mixing bowl combine mayonnaise sour cream buttermilk paprika garlic powder hot sauce lemon juice ketchup parsley black pepper and salt Whisk until well blended and smooth Taste and adjust with more buttermilk for consistency The sauce should be pourable and creamy but not runny Cover and chill so flavors meld

Prepare the Sumac Onions:

Slice red onion thinly and rinse in cold water to soften the bite Drain well and pat dry In a bowl toss onions with parsley sumac lemon juice and a generous pinch of salt Gently squeeze the onions with your hands to help them absorb the flavors Let sit while you cook the chicken for a vibrant topping

Cook the Chicken:

Heat clarified butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat Once just shimmering add chicken in a single layer Avoid crowding so you get browning and not steaming Cook pieces for about eight to ten minutes turning occasionally until fully cooked and edges caramelize If needed cook in batches for best results Transfer chicken to a plate and loosely tent to keep warm

Assemble the Wraps:

Warm tortilla wraps so they stay flexible and soft Spread a generous layer of garlic sauce down the center Add a scoop of sumac onions then heap on sliced cooked chicken Top with chopped cucumber diced tomato pickled cucumbers a layer of spiced fries and an extra drizzle of sauce Fold up the bottom then sides to close the wrap Slice in half and serve while hot

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The sumac onions are my go-to extra because that burst of tart flavor wakes up the whole wrap I always catch my family sneaking extra from the bowl before dinner starts and now I double the batch every time

Storage Tips

Store filling ingredients chicken sauce and sumac onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge Keep them fresh for up to three days For wraps slice and store tightly wrapped in foil or parchment to avoid drying out Reheat chicken in a hot pan for best flavor before assembling

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap thighs for breast for a leaner version or use all thigh meat for extra tenderness For dairy-free sauce try using vegan mayo and sub oat milk for buttermilk Out of sumac Use a tiny bit of lemon zest and extra lemon juice instead

Serving Suggestions

Serve wraps with extra fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal Adding a bowl of mixed olives or Middle Eastern pickles makes it even more vibrant You can serve open faced like a shawarma plate for easy sharing

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Cultural Context

Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern street food found everywhere from Jordan to Lebanon Its warm spices and smoky grilled meat are a staple in many communities and the wrap style is perfect for eating on the go This recipe is inspired by classic curbside vendors and adapted for the home kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the chicken so flavorful?

The chicken is marinated with garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, and mayonnaise, allowing the flavors to seep in and tenderize the meat before cooking.

→ How do sumac onions enhance the wrap?

Sumac onions offer a zesty punch, balancing the richness of the chicken with tart, slightly citrusy notes and a fresh crunch from parsley.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful after cooking, making them an excellent choice for shawarma-style wraps.

→ What ingredients are in the garlic sauce?

The sauce combines mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and smoked paprika for a creamy, tangy finish.

→ Are there serving suggestions for this wrap?

Pair your wrap with fresh salad, extra pickled vegetables, or a side of crunchy French fries for a complete meal.

→ How can I prepare this wrap ahead?

Marinate and cook the chicken in advance, keep components separate, then assemble and warm the wrap just before serving for optimal freshness.