Save to Pinterest 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 adds a festive touch to our holiday meals and has quickly become a family favorite at Christmas time.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Marinate Chicken:
- 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).
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, tahini (if using), garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven or Grill:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken:
- 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.
- Warm Wraps:
- Warm tortillas or flatbreads briefly in a dry pan or oven.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce on each wrap. Layer with spinach or arugula, cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, pickles, and chicken. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and mint.
- Serve:
- Roll up tightly, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Making these wraps brings back joyful family gatherings during the holidays when everyone gets involved in assembling their own meal.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, baking sheet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring spoons and cups
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt and optional tahini), contains gluten if using regular wraps, check labels for cross-contamination risks.
Nutritional Information
Per wrap: 430 calories, 16 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein
Save to Pinterest This wrap combines festive flavors with healthy ingredients making it perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a flavorful meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the spices and yogurt to fully tenderize and flavor the meat.
- → What cuts of chicken work best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor absorption, but breasts can be used if preferred.
- → Can I prepare the yogurt sauce in advance?
Yes, the yogurt sauce can be made ahead and chilled to develop more depth in flavor before serving.
- → What is the purpose of Greek yogurt in the marinade?
Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while balancing the spices with its creamy texture and slight tang.
- → Are there suggested alternatives for wraps?
Whole wheat tortillas or gluten-free flatbreads work well, and warming them briefly helps enhance pliability for rolling.