Yemeni Chicken Shawarma Wraps
While shawarma is popular across the Middle East, the Yemeni version often features a unique blend of spices and a distinct preparation method. These wraps are filled with tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tahini sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs(cut into thin strips)
- 0.5 cup Yogurt
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Hawaij spice blend
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 large Yemeni flatbread (e.g., Malawach or Khobz)
- 0.5 cup Tahini
- 0.25 cup Water(or as needed for sauce)
- 1 clove Garlic(for tahini sauce)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(for tahini sauce)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 medium Tomatoes(diced, for filling)
- 0.5 medium Cucumber(diced, for filling)
- 0.25 medium Red onion(thinly sliced, for filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Hawaij spice blend, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and mix well to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4 hours - 2
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Make the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, water, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt.
- 4
Warm the flatbread: Lightly warm the Yemeni flatbreads on a dry skillet or in the oven until pliable.
- 5
Assemble the wraps: Spread a layer of tahini sauce onto each warm flatbread. Top with cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill the wraps to make them easier to roll. - 6
Roll and serve: Tightly roll up the flatbreads to form wraps. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using chicken thighs ensures tenderness and flavor.
- ✓Adjust the Hawaij spice blend or add other spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a unique twist.
- ✓For a spicier wrap, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or a drizzle of hot sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of hummus or baba ghanoush to the wrap.
- Use grilled lamb or beef instead of chicken for a different shawarma experience.