Save 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 brings the flavors of Middle Eastern shawarma with a special Christmas twist that my family looks forward to every year.
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 it This meal brings my family together every holiday season creating unforgettable moments and joyful celebrations.
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 This Greek Yogurt Chicken Shawarma Christmas Wrap is perfect for festive gatherings and is sure to impress your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though overnight enhances the spices and tenderness even more.
- → Can I use a grill instead of an oven?
Yes, grilling the chicken over medium-high heat works perfectly to achieve a smoky flavor and slightly charred edges.
- → What can I substitute if I don't have Greek yogurt?
Use plain full-fat yogurt or labneh for a similar tangy texture and creaminess in the marinade and sauce.
- → Are there any vegetarian options using this marinade?
Try marinating firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian take with the same spiced yogurt flavors.
- → Which vegetables complement the wrap best?
Leafy greens like spinach or arugula, shredded red cabbage, pomegranate seeds, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, and fresh mint add crunch, freshness, and color.
- → How can I make this wrap gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free tortillas or flatbreads to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.