Lemon yogurt chicken wraps
Lemon yogurt chicken wraps are a fresh, quick dinner. Chicken strips marinate briefly in yogurt, lemon, paprika and garlic, then brown in a hot pan. Roll them up with cucumber and tomato in warm tortillas. It takes about 25 minutes.
- 25 minTotal time
- 2Servings
- 530kcal / serving
- 39 gProtein
The science: why this works
Why yogurt makes chicken tender
Yogurt is mildly acidic, which gently loosens the surface proteins of the chicken. Even a short 5 minute marinade adds flavor and helps the meat brown. Long soaks can turn the surface mushy. The lactic acid works slowly, so it flavors the meat without making it mushy.
Learn: Yogurt marinade: tender and charred →Why the lemon is split in two
Part of the lemon goes into the marinade, and the rest goes on at the end. Cooked lemon turns mellow, while fresh juice at the end keeps a sharp, bright taste. Fresh acid is a quick fix for any dish that tastes flat or heavy.
Learn: Add acid at the end →Why thin strips cook fast
Thin pieces of chicken breast cook through in about 7 minutes at medium-high heat. They reach 165°F (74°C) before the surface dries out. Slicing it thin and cooking over medium-high heat gets it done before it dries.
Learn: Cooking juicy chicken breast →Lemon yogurt chicken wraps
25 minutes · 2 servings · Mediterranean · Sandwich
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
Method
Tips for the best result
- Pat off excess marinade so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
- Check a thick strip is white inside with clear juices before serving.
- Warm the tortillas last so they stay soft.
Swaps
- Swap the yogurt for sour cream or buttermilk in the marinade.
- Swap the tortillas for pita bread.
- Swap the chicken breast for thigh meat, adding 2 minutes of cooking.
Storing and reheating
Keep the cooked chicken in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C). Assemble the wraps fresh so they do not go soggy.
Lemon yogurt chicken wraps: questions
How long should you marinate chicken in yogurt?
Five minutes adds flavor and 30 minutes to a few hours gives more tenderness. Avoid more than a day, as the texture turns soft.
Can I make these wraps ahead?
Cook the chicken ahead and assemble when ready to eat. That keeps the tortillas from getting soggy.
What sauce goes with lemon chicken wraps?
The yogurt added at the end acts as the sauce. A little garlic or herbs can be stirred into it.
