Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Crêpes Shawarma is a delicious fusion that brings together the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern shawarma with the soft, delicate texture of homemade crêpes. It is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant despite being very approachable to prepare at home. I first tried this idea when I wanted something lighter than pita bread but still flexible enough to wrap around juicy, spiced chicken. The crêpes turned out to be the perfect match, soaking up flavor while staying tender and smooth. This dish works beautifully for lunch, dinner, or even casual entertaining because it looks impressive yet feels familiar. The seasoned chicken, creamy sauces, and soft crêpes create layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent without being heavy. If you enjoy shawarma but want a fresh, creative twist, this recipe delivers something truly special.
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Chicken Crêpes Shawarma: A Soft, Savory Fusion You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 crepes
- Diet: Halal
Description
Soft crepes filled with juicy shawarma-spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy garlic sauce, rolled into a flavorful handheld wrap.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Sliced lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for filling
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate chicken with olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked; set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth to make crepe batter.
- Heat a nonstick pan and pour a thin layer of batter, swirling to coat evenly.
- Cook crepe for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden; repeat with remaining batter.
- Mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to make garlic sauce.
- Place cooked chicken, vegetables, and garlic sauce onto each crepe.
- Roll tightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Crepes can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Add pickles or fries for a street-style shawarma twist.
- Serve with extra garlic sauce or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken breast is the main protein and absorbs the shawarma spices beautifully. When sliced thinly, it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Yogurt is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and help the spices adhere evenly.
Garlic adds depth and sharpness, forming the backbone of the shawarma flavor.
Lemon juice brightens the marinade and balances the warm spices.
Shawarma spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon create the signature aromatic flavor profile.
Olive oil helps carry the spices and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Salt and black pepper balance and enhance all the flavors.
All-purpose flour forms the base of the crêpe batter, providing structure while staying light.
Eggs give the crêpes flexibility and softness, making them easy to roll.
Milk creates a smooth, pourable batter and tender crêpe texture.
Butter or oil is used for cooking the crêpes and adds richness.
Optional toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or garlic sauce add freshness and contrast.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, shawarma spices, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and mix well until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the crêpe batter. Whisk together the flour, eggs, and milk until smooth and lump-free. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to improve texture.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, swirling to create a thin layer. Cook until set, then flip and cook briefly on the other side. Repeat until all crêpes are done and set aside.
Cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from heat and rest briefly.
To assemble, place cooked chicken in the center of each crêpe. Add any desired toppings and sauces, then roll gently. Serve 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 4 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, marinating time 30 minutes, and cooking time approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken and crêpes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet and warm the crêpes briefly before assembling.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result or use beef or lamb seasoned with the same spice blend. I tested it with chicken thighs, and the flavor was even richer.
For the crêpes, whole wheat flour can be used for a slightly nuttier taste. You can also add a pinch of turmeric or paprika to the batter for color.
Sauces make a big difference. Garlic yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, or a light chili sauce all pair beautifully with the spiced chicken. Vegetables such as shredded cabbage, cucumbers, or pickled onions add crunch and freshness.
If you prefer a lighter presentation, serve the chicken over folded crêpes rather than rolled ones, creating an open-style plate.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Chicken Crêpes Shawarma provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Using yogurt-based sauces and lean chicken keeps the dish satisfying without being overly heavy.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Thin Chicken Slices
Slice the chicken thinly for quick cooking and better spice absorption.
Crêpe Resting Time
Allowing the batter to rest improves flexibility and texture.
High Heat for Chicken
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to develop flavor without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make the crêpes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
Is marinating necessary?
Yes, it greatly improves flavor and tenderness.
Can I use store-bought crêpes?
Yes, though homemade crêpes offer better texture and freshness.
What sauce works best?
Garlic yogurt sauce is the most traditional and balanced.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes, add chili powder or chili sauce to taste.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, adjust spices for milder flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to one month.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately and assemble when needed.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives.
What sides pair well?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables complement it well.
Conclusion
Chicken Crêpes Shawarma is a creative, flavorful twist on a beloved classic. Soft crêpes, spiced chicken, and fresh toppings come together in a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, making it a recipe worth returning to often.
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