Introduction: A Mediterranean Delight
There’s something magical about the combination of tender, char-grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables wrapped up in warm, pillowy flatbread. Whether you call them chicken kebabs or kabobs, this dish offers a delightful mix of bold Mediterranean flavors that are sure to impress your taste buds. Perfect for a casual family dinner, meal prepping, or even an outdoor barbecue, these wraps are as versatile as they are delicious. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Chicken Kebab Wraps with Easy Tzatziki Sauce. From marinating the chicken to whipping up a tangy, refreshing sauce, you’ll have everything you need to create a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients: Building the Perfect Wrap
For the Chicken Kebabs:
- 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1.5–1.75 pounds), cut into bite-sized chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
- Pinch of paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning)
For the Easy Tzatziki Sauce:
- 3 large Persian cucumbers, finely grated and well-drained
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (at least 2% or full-fat for creaminess)
- 4 medium garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped
For the Wraps:
- Pita or flatbread
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced tomatoes
- Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
- Extra fresh herbs (oregano, dill, or mint) for garnish
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken kebabs lies in the marinade. Here’s how to prepare it:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and chopped oregano.
- Add the chicken chunks to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for several hours or overnight.
Step 2: Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, you can make the tzatziki sauce. This refreshing condiment ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Grate the Persian cucumbers using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to avoid a watery sauce.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and mint.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to assemble the wraps. (The sauce can be made a day ahead.)
Step 3: Grilling the Chicken Kebabs
Grilling gives the chicken its signature smoky, charred flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, distributing them evenly.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden-brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
Step 4: Assembling the Wraps
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! Here’s how to assemble the perfect chicken kebab wrap:
- Warm the pita or flatbread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make it pliable.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over the center of the bread.
- Add a few slices of cucumber, red onion, and tomato on top of the sauce.
- Slide the grilled chicken pieces off the skewers and place them onto the wrap.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and extra herbs, if desired.
- Fold the wrap tightly, securing it with parchment paper or foil for easy handling.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice make a noticeable difference in the flavor of both the chicken and the tzatziki sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Skewer Soak: If you’re using bamboo skewers, soaking them in water is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the wraps with additional toppings such as shredded lettuce, olives, or pickled vegetables.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep for 3 days, while the sauce will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken kebab wraps pair wonderfully with a side of crispy oven-baked fries, a simple Greek salad, or even a refreshing tabbouleh. For a fun twist, serve them as a DIY meal where everyone can assemble their own wraps with their favorite toppings.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Kebab Wraps with Easy Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious, wholesome meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a summer barbecue.
By marinating the chicken, grilling it to perfection, and pairing it with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, you’ll create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also a feast for the senses. Enjoy the simplicity and boldness of this Mediterranean-inspired recipe, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!