Backyard Shawarma Wraps

Serves 4 · 40 min prep · 15 min cook

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.25 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 English cucumber
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp warm water

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, half the lemon juice, two tablespoons of the olive oil, minced garlic cloves, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper to form a thick marinade.
2. 2Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. 3Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, roughly 400°F, and oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill 5–6 minutes per side until deep char marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. 4Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into shawarma-style strips.
5. 5While chicken rests, thinly slice the cucumber, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley and toss the vegetables together in a small bowl for a quick fresh salad.
6. 6In another bowl, whisk the tahini with the remaining lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and warm water until smooth and pourable; add water a teaspoon at a time if it seizes.
7. 7Warm the tortillas on the cooler side of the grill or in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
8. 8To build each wrap, lay a warm tortilla flat, pile sliced chicken down the center, top with the cucumber-tomato mixture, drizzle generously with tahini sauce, and sprinkle extra parsley. Fold the sides in and roll tightly.
9. 9Slice wraps in half on the diagonal and arrange on a large platter. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the veggies stay crisp—perfect for casual backyard lunch sharing.