Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East without leaving your kitchen? Our Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma Wraps are not just a meal; they're a flavorful experience that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a bustling market filled with spices and aromas. With tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a delightful shawarma spice blend and wrapped in warm pita, this recipe is a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or a fun weekend feast. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends—get ready to discover your new favorite wrap!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with shawarma spice blend and olive oil. Massage the spices thoroughly into the meat, ensuring even coating.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the Instant Pot inner pot and place the trivet inside.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the trivet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select "Pressure Cook" on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Remove chicken and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Then shred the meat using two forks.
- Warm the pita breads slightly in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble wraps by spreading tahini sauce on each pita, adding shredded chicken, lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
- Fold the pitas into tight wraps, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as tender.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time permits, marinate the chicken in the shawarma spice blend and olive oil for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors even more.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to tweak the amount of shawarma spice blend to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Consider adding other toppings like cucumbers or pickles for extra crunch.
- Warm Your Pitas: Warming the pita breads before assembling your wraps makes them more pliable and enjoyable to eat. A quick toast in a skillet or a few seconds in the microwave does the trick!
- Serve with Sides: Enhance your meal by serving the wraps with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or a simple salad for a complete Middle Eastern feast.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the shredded chicken and toppings separately to keep everything fresh. They can be easily reheated for a delicious lunch or dinner the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 585kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg