Pin it A festive twist on classic chicken shawarma: tender, spiced chicken marinated in Greek yogurt, wrapped with vibrant holiday vegetables, tangy pickles, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a cheerful holiday meal.
This recipe always brightens our holiday gatherings and brings family together around the table.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade: 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced, 200 g Greek yogurt (plain full fat), 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1½ tsp ground cumin, 1½ tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground turmeric, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, Juice of 1 lemon
- For the Yogurt Sauce: 150 g Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp tahini (optional), 1 garlic clove minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Wraps: 4 large flour or whole wheat tortillas or flatbreads, 1 cup red cabbage finely shredded, 1 cup baby spinach or arugula, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber, ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup pickled red onions or pickles, ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl combine all marinade ingredients Add chicken mix to coat well cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for best flavor)
- Step 2:
- For the yogurt sauce mix Greek yogurt lemon juice tahini (if using) garlic parsley salt and pepper in a small bowl Chill until ready to use
- Step 3:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) or heat a grill pan over medium high heat
- Step 4:
- Remove chicken from marinade shaking off excess Arrange on a baking sheet or grill pan Roast or grill for 15 20 minutes turning once until fully cooked and slightly charred at edges Let rest 5 minutes then slice or shred
- Step 5:
- Warm tortillas or flatbreads briefly in a dry pan or oven
- Step 6:
- To assemble spread a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce on each wrap Layer with spinach/arugula cabbage cucumber tomatoes pickles and chicken Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and mint
- Step 7:
- Roll up tightly slice in half if desired and serve immediately
Pin it This wrap has become a holiday tradition in our family each bite sharing memories and joy.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Baking sheet or grill pan Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring spoons/cups
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt optional tahini) Contains gluten if using regular wraps Double-check labels for tortillas/wraps and tahini for cross contamination if allergies are a concern
Nutritional Information
Calories 430 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 32 g per wrap
Pin it Serve these wraps fresh for a perfect holiday meal that everyone will love and remember.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay tender and juicy when marinated and cooked.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the yogurt and spices to deeply flavor the meat, enhancing tenderness.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the yogurt sauce?
Yes, tahini is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a nut butter for a different flavor profile.
- → What cooking methods are suitable for the chicken?
Grilling or roasting at high heat works well to achieve a slightly charred exterior while keeping the chicken juicy.
- → What alternatives exist for the wraps?
Use flour, whole wheat, or gluten-free tortillas or flatbreads depending on dietary preferences.
- → How can I add a festive touch to this wrap?
Include red and green vegetables like pomegranate seeds and fresh mint, or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for extra texture.