High Protein Crispy Chicken Shawarma
Imported from Instagram
40 minMedium4 servings

High Protein Crispy Chicken Shawarma

Delicious and easy high-protein crispy chicken shawarma wraps packed with flavor. These wraps feature juicy marinated chicken, homemade garlic sauce, and a crispy, spiced exterior.

Mise turned a cooking video on Instagram into this written step-by-step recipe — 19 ingredients, 6 steps, 40 min, with a generated photo for every step.

Time40min
LevelMedium
Servings4
Method 6 steps
01

Slice the chicken thighs into strips. In a bowl, combine the chicken, 80g of Greek yoghurt, juice of half a lemon, minced garlic, smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, all spice, cayenne, oregano, cumin, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Mix well to coat and marinate until ready to cook.

02

Make the garlic sauce by mixing 120g of Greek yoghurt, light mayo, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.

03

Spray a baking tray with oil, spread the marinated chicken evenly, and bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway. Then, broil or grill on high for 3-5 minutes until you get a golden char.

04

Prepare the crispy shawarma coating by whisking together the avocado oil, 2 tbsp tomato paste, salt to taste, and dried chilli flakes.

05

Separate the Lebanese wraps into two thin layers. Spread a healthy amount of garlic sauce on each layer, then top with the cooked shawarma chicken and sliced pickles. Roll up tightly.

06

Heat a pan over medium heat. Add some of the shawarma coating to the pan, place the wraps in, and brush the outsides with more coating. Roll them around until they are golden and crispy on all sides.

Mise app icon

Cook it hands-free.

Open this recipe in Mise for full-screen steps, a photo for each one, and built-in timers — no scrubbing through the video.

Open in Mise →
Scan to download
Point your camera here
Notes

Middle Eastern street food tradition receives a modern lean makeover in this high-protein version of a classic wrap. By utilizing a double-layer Lebanese bread technique and a unique spiced oil coating, these wraps achieve a level of crunch usually reserved for rotisserie-carved meat. The chicken thighs remain succulent through a yogurt-based marinade that tenderizes the fibers while creating a deep, caramelized crust under high heat. It is a substantial meal that balances the warmth of allspice and cumin against the sharpness of pickled vegetables.

Timing is the primary factor in achieving the characteristic texture of this dish. The transition from baking to broiling ensures the marinade reduces into a concentrated glaze before the final pan-searing step crisps the exterior. This process results in a portable, robust wrap that delivers a savory punch without the heaviness of deep-frying. Expect a vibrant interplay of temperatures and textures, with the cool garlic sauce melting into the hot, charred chicken as you bite through the brittle, spiced shell.

Before you start

  • When broiling the chicken, look for blackened edges and a bubbling surface. This char is essential for mimicking the authentic smoky flavor of a vertical spit-roaster.
  • Spread the chicken in a single layer without overlapping on the tray. Crowding the pan causes the meat to steam in its own juices rather than browning effectively.
  • The Lebanese wrap layers are delicate and tear easily once separated. Handle them gently and ensure the garlic sauce is spread evenly to act as a protective barrier.
  • Avoid overheating the pan during the final crisping stage. The tomato paste in the coating contains sugars that will burn and turn bitter if the heat is too high.

Swaps that work

  • Replace chicken thighs with 225g of chicken breast for a leaner result, though the meat will be slightly drier after the broiling process.
  • Substitute Lebanese wraps with one large flour tortilla if needed. The texture will be chewier and less shatteringly crisp than the thin bread layers.
  • Exchange avocado oil for an equal amount of light olive oil. Avoid extra virgin olive oil as its low smoke point may cause smoking during searing.

Keeping it

These wraps are best consumed immediately to enjoy the contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy sauce. If you must store leftovers, keep the cooked chicken and garlic sauce in separate airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a dry pan or air fryer until hot before assembling the wrap. Do not freeze the fully assembled wraps, as the pickles and yogurt sauce will make the bread soggy upon thawing.

Questions

How do I prevent the wraps from becoming soggy?

Sogginess occurs if the pickles are too wet or if the wraps sit too long before searing. Pat the pickles dry with a paper towel before adding them to the wrap. Sear the wraps immediately after rolling to lock in the structure and create the protective crispy outer layer.

Is this version of shawarma very spicy?

The spice level is moderate. While it contains cayenne and chili flakes, the heat is tempered by the Greek yogurt in both the marinade and the garlic sauce. For a milder version, omit the cayenne and reduce the chili flakes in the final exterior coating by half.

Can I prepare the components in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and blend the garlic sauce up to twenty-four hours ahead of time. Keeping these components chilled allows the flavors to meld and intensify. However, the final assembly and pan-searing must be done just before serving to ensure the bread maintains its crunch.

More recipes
Cook step-by-step in Mise →