Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Crepes Shawarma is a delicious fusion recipe that combines the bold, aromatic flavors of classic shawarma with the soft, delicate texture of homemade crepes. This dish is perfect when you want something comforting yet exciting, familiar yet slightly different. I first tried this idea as a creative alternative to traditional flatbread wraps, and the result was surprisingly satisfying. The crepes absorb the savory spices beautifully while remaining light and flexible. Juicy marinated chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables wrapped in tender crepes create a balanced meal that works for lunch, dinner, or even casual entertaining. What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly, making it ideal for busy days. It feels special without being complicated, and every bite delivers warmth, spice, and comfort.
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Chicken Crepes Shawarma: A Flavorful Fusion of Tender Chicken and Soft Crepes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 crepes
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Crepes Shawarma is a flavorful fusion dish combining tender shawarma-spiced chicken wrapped in soft crepes with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for a unique lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 6 prepared crepes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken until heated through and lightly browned.
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic to make the garlic sauce.
- Warm the crepes slightly to make them pliable.
- Lay a crepe flat and add a portion of chicken in the center.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with garlic sauce.
- Roll or fold the crepe like a wrap.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can add pickles or fries for a more traditional shawarma-style filling.
- Adjust spices to taste for more or less heat.
- Crepes can be replaced with thin flatbread if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is ideal for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs the shawarma spices well. Slicing it thinly ensures tender, flavorful results.
Shawarma Spice Blend
This spice blend gives the dish its signature warm, savory flavor. It typically includes cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon.
Yogurt
Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices adhere evenly. It also adds subtle tang and moisture.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the marinade and balances the richness of the spices.
Garlic
Garlic adds depth and aroma, enhancing the overall savory profile.
Olive Oil
Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy and helps it cook evenly.
Crepes
Crepes act as a soft wrap for the filling. Their neutral flavor allows the shawarma seasoning to shine.
Lettuce
Lettuce adds freshness and crunch, balancing the warm, spiced chicken.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contribute juiciness and a light acidity that complements the marinade.
Cucumber
Cucumber adds crisp texture and a cooling contrast to the spices.
Tahini Sauce or Garlic Sauce
This sauce ties everything together, adding creaminess and richness to each wrap.
Directions
In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and shawarma spice blend. Add the sliced chicken and mix until well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
If making crepes fresh, prepare them according to your preferred recipe and keep them warm. Lay a crepe flat, add a layer of lettuce, followed by chicken, tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce.
Fold or roll the crepe gently around the filling. Serve immediately while warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making 6 to 8 filled crepes. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with 10 minutes of cooking time. Total time is roughly 30 minutes, excluding marinating.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet before assembling fresh crepes. Crepes are best made fresh but can be stored refrigerated for one day.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Crepes Shawarma is highly adaptable and easy to customize. For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or bell peppers to the chicken while cooking. These vegetables add sweetness and depth.
You can switch the protein as well. Thinly sliced beef or lamb works beautifully with the same marinade, while roasted mushrooms create a satisfying vegetarian alternative. For a lighter version, use whole-wheat crepes or reduce the amount of sauce.
Sauce options also vary. Garlic yogurt sauce adds brightness, while spicy chili sauce gives extra heat. You can even combine sauces for layered flavor. Adding pickles or pickled turnips brings acidity and authenticity, enhancing the shawarma experience.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides lean protein from chicken and balanced carbohydrates from the crepes. It contains dairy and gluten, depending on the crepe recipe used. For dietary needs, gluten-free crepes and dairy-free yogurt alternatives can be substituted successfully.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Thin Chicken Slices
Slice chicken evenly for fast, juicy cooking.
Proper Marinating
Allow enough marinating time for maximum flavor.
Warm Crepes
Warm crepes are easier to fold and prevent tearing.
Balanced Filling
Avoid overfilling to ensure neat wraps.
Fresh Assembly
Assemble just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cook it in advance and reheat before assembling.
Can I use store-bought crepes?
Yes, ready-made crepes work well.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is mildly spiced; heat can be adjusted easily.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and sauce.
What sauce works best?
Garlic sauce or tahini sauce are ideal.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well for up to one month.
Are crepes better than flatbread?
Crepes offer a softer, lighter texture.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, mild cheeses work well but are optional.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Crepes Shawarma is a creative, satisfying recipe that blends bold Middle Eastern flavors with soft, comforting crepes. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is perfect for anyone looking to elevate everyday chicken into something memorable and delicious.
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