Pin this 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.
I enjoy making this shawarma wrap during holidays to bring a vibrant and wholesome dish to the table that everyone loves.
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
- 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 this This recipe brings my family together every Christmas as we share a meal full of flavors and festive spirit.
Notes
For a festive touch use red and green vegetables and add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts Substitute turkey for chicken for a more traditional Christmas protein
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
Pin this This festive wrap is sure to impress your guests and add a healthy flavorful option to your holiday menu.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour, though overnight marination is recommended to deepen the spices.
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs with another protein?
Yes, turkey or chicken breasts can be used, though thighs remain juicier and more flavorful for this preparation.
- → What vegetables work best in these wraps?
Fresh spinach or arugula, shredded red cabbage, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, and pickled red onions bring balance and texture.
- → Is the yogurt sauce necessary?
The creamy yogurt sauce adds moisture and a tangy brightness that enhances the spiced chicken and fresh vegetables.
- → Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
You can prepare the marinated chicken and sauce in advance; assemble the wraps shortly before serving to keep vegetables crisp.