Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

There’s something incredibly comforting about a wrap filled with savory goodness. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps. Imagine gathering around the kitchen with friends or family, the aroma of spices dancing in the air, as we prepare these delicious wraps together. Each bite bursts with flavor, combining the tender marinated chicken with fluffy couscous, nutty pistachios, and creamy goat cheese. It’s one of those dishes that invites conversation and laughter, making it perfect for any occasion.

During a recent dinner party, I decided to make these wraps as a way to share a taste of my travels to the Middle East. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients not only appealed to the eyes but also made everyone excited to dig in. With each filling naan or pita I assembled, I could see the anticipation building. The easy-to-follow steps and the interactive nature of the dish made it a hit among my guests, who eagerly helped in the assembly line. By the end of the night, we were all satisfied and happy, with full bellies and hearts.

Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe for Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps, where each step is designed to be simple and enjoyable, ensuring that you too can create a memorable meal.

Ingredient List for Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

Crafting the perfect Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps requires a carefully selected array of ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in harmonizing flavors and textures, creating a wrap that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Start with the core players: tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and creamy goat cheese, then elevate your dish with vibrant herbs and spices.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, sliced into strips – The protein base for our dish, it soaks up the marinade beautifully, making it juicy and flavorful.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used in the marinade, it adds moisture and richness to the chicken.
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt – This ingredient not only helps tenderize the chicken but also adds a creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated – Brings a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated – Adds depth and aroma, an essential in many Middle Eastern dishes.
• 1 teaspoon pepper – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – A warm spice that provides earthy undertones.
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper – For those who love a bit of heat!
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne – Adds a subtle warmth that balances the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – An unexpected but delightful addition that adds sweetness.
• 3/4 cup dry couscous – The base of our wraps, fluffy and perfect for holding all the flavors.
• 1 cup water or chicken broth – To cook the couscous, adding flavor.
• 1/2 – 1 cup spinach, chopped – Adds color and nutrition to the wraps.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
• 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced – Brings a rich, tangy flavor to the filling.
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced – Adds a briny kick that complements the chicken.
• 1/3 cup roasted shelled pistachios, chopped – For crunch and a nutty flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – A fresh herb that brightens the dish.
• salt and pepper to taste – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 3 tablespoons pomegranate arils – For garnish, they add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness.
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled – Adds creaminess and tanginess.
• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste) – For a rich, nutty sauce.
• 1/4 cup olive oil – To help thin out the tahini for the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated – To flavor the tahini sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess to the tahini sauce.
• 1 lemon, juiced – For a bright, tangy flavor.
• salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the sauce.
• 4-8 pieces of naan or pita bread for serving – The perfect vessel for our wraps.

The Process for Making Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

Creating these Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps is a delightful journey filled with enticing aromas and rich flavors. Let’s dive into the steps that bring this dish to life, ensuring each bite is packed with taste and texture.

1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl or a gallon-sized ziplock bag, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, pepper, cumin, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and cinnamon. This marinade is crucial, so make sure to mix it well to coat the chicken thoroughly.

2. Once the marinade is ready, add the sliced chicken to the mixture and toss it well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag tightly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper flavor.

3. Meanwhile, let’s prepare the couscous. In a pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the couscous and cover the pot. Remove it from heat and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key to getting perfectly fluffy couscous.

4. After the sitting time, fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the chopped spinach, honey, olives, sun-dried tomatoes (with some of their oil), chopped pistachios, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently to combine, and set it aside to keep warm.

5. Next, let’s make the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, garlic, Greek yogurt, the juice of a lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If your tahini is too thick, you can microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds to loosen it up. Set the sauce aside until you’re ready to assemble.

6. Once the marinating time for the chicken is up, heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir fry for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

7. Now it’s time to assemble the wraps. Take a piece of warmed naan or pita bread and spread a generous amount of tahini sauce down the center. Add a scoop of the couscous, followed by the cooked chicken. Top it off with crumbled goat cheese. If you’d like, sprinkle more chopped cilantro, additional pistachios, and pomegranate arils on top for extra flavor and garnish.

8. Finally, wrap it all up and enjoy! Each wrap is packed with flavors and textures that complement one another beautifully. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors!

Recipe Tips about Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

Creating the perfect Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to enhance your experience and ensure a delicious outcome.

• Storage: Leftover wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini sauce separate to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken prior to cooking. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Pairing: These wraps are perfect alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add ingredients like feta cheese or roasted bell peppers.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the tahini sauce and couscous in advance to save time on busy evenings.
• Serving suggestion: Serve with extra hummus or tzatziki for dipping for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Pair With Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

When serving Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps, there are numerous delicious pairings to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh salads: Pair your wraps with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. This adds a light and crisp contrast to the warm wraps.
• Roasted vegetables: Consider serving roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers on the side for a hearty complement.
• Chickpea salad: A chickpea salad with fresh herbs and lemon is a protein-packed pairing that adds nutrition and flavor.
• Yogurt sauce: Offer a side of cooling yogurt sauce or tzatziki for dipping. It balances the spices beautifully.
• Occasions: These wraps are perfect for casual lunches, festive gatherings, and even special occasions like Ramadan.
• Seasonal pairs: In summer, fresh fruits such as watermelon or a fruit salad can bring a refreshing touch to the table.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make mealtime exciting. They are not just easy to prepare but also offer a unique taste of the Middle East right in your own kitchen. I encourage you to try making these wraps for your next meal; you’ll find they’re not only satisfying but a fun way to gather with friends or family around the table.

Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

Looking for a vibrant and satisfying meal? Try these Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps. Packed with juicy chicken, fluffy couscous, and creamy goat cheese, they’re a delicious choice for any occasion. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, make them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken boneless skinless, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain, I like to use Chobani 0%
• 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, minced or grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup couscous dry
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1/2 - 1 cup spinach chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil packed, drained and sliced, reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the oil
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
• 1/3 cup pistachios roasted shelled, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped (may sub parsley)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons pomegranate arils
• 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
• 1/2 cup tahini sesame paste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4-8 pieces naan or pita bread for serving

Instructions

 

• Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl or a gallon-sized ziplock bag, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, pepper, cumin, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and cinnamon. This marinade is crucial, so make sure to mix it well to coat the chicken thoroughly.
• Once the marinade is ready, add the sliced chicken to the mixture and toss it well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag tightly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper flavor.
• Meanwhile, let’s prepare the couscous. In a pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the couscous and cover the pot. Remove it from heat and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key to getting perfectly fluffy couscous.
• After the sitting time, fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the chopped spinach, honey, olives, sun-dried tomatoes (with some of their oil), chopped pistachios, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently to combine, and set it aside to keep warm.
• Next, let’s make the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, garlic, Greek yogurt, the juice of a lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If your tahini is too thick, you can microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds to loosen it up. Set the sauce aside until you’re ready to assemble.
• Once the marinating time for the chicken is up, heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir fry for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
• Now it’s time to assemble the wraps. Take a piece of warmed naan or pita bread and spread a generous amount of tahini sauce down the center. Add a scoop of the couscous, followed by the cooked chicken. Top it off with crumbled goat cheese. If you’d like, sprinkle more chopped cilantro, additional pistachios, and pomegranate arils on top for extra flavor and garnish.
• Finally, wrap it all up and enjoy! Each wrap is packed with flavors and textures that complement one another beautifully. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors!

Notes

Leftover wraps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini sauce separate to maintain freshness.

Keyword chicken couscous wraps, easy dinner recipes, healthy wraps, Middle Eastern wraps