Sumac-Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Turnips

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in sumac and warm spices, grilled and wrapped in flatbread with pickled turnips and garlic sauce for an iconic Syrian-inspired street food. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon ground sumac for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon ground sumac, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  5. Step 5: Warm 4 flatbreads or pita breads briefly on the grill or stovetop. Spread each with 2 tablespoons tahini sauce or garlic sauce, add sliced chicken, 2 tablespoons pickled turnips, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Roll the flatbreads into wraps and serve immediately with extra pickled turnips on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Turnips take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sumac-Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Turnips?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Turnips?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sumac-Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Turnips for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sumac-Spiced Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Pickled Turnips?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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