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Crispy Chicken Shawarma Tacos

These crispy chicken shawarma tacos are my new weeknight obsession, perfect mix of a taco and a quesadilla, but with full shawarma flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Fusion, Middle eastern
Servings 8
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 650 g chicken breast cut into small cubes
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp sumac
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee for cooking

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 garlic clove crushed
  • ½ tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp sumac

For the Salad

  • ½ small onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato sliced (seeds removed to avoid sogginess)
  • ½ tsp sumac
  • ½ tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

  • 6 –8 tortilla wraps
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee for crisping the tacos

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, tomato paste, paprika, chili powder, coriander, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, sumac, and lemon juice.
  • Add the chicken strips and mix well until every piece is coated.
  • Let the chicken marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or refrigerate up overnight for deeper flavor).
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned, slightly crispy, and fully cooked through.
  • Turn off the heat and set aside.
  • Mix Greek yogurt, mayo, crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Keep refrigerated until assembly.
  • In a small bowl, combine sliced onion, tomato, sumac, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Drizzle a little oil or ghee into a heated pan.
  • Place one tortilla onto the pan.
  • Immediately sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tortilla.
  • Add cooked chicken on top of the cheese.
  • Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
  • Cook until deeply crispy and golden on both sides.
  • Remove from the pan and gently open the tortilla.
  • Add a spoonful of yogurt sauce and some prepared salad.
  • Close, press lightly, and enjoy warm.
Keyword Chicken recipes, chicken shawarma, chicken tacos