Middle Eastern Chicken and Couscous Wraps

Join me on a flavorful adventure as I share my unforgettable experience at a restaurant in Houston, which inspired this incredible Middle Eastern chicken and couscous wraps recipe. Additionally, I’m excited to recreate this delicious wrap at home and invite you to experience a world of mouth-watering flavors with me!

The evening I spent at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Houston with my parents was truly memorable. We were looking forward to trying new and exciting dishes and had heard great things about this restaurant. As we settled into our seats, we were immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere of the place.

We decided to order the Middle Eastern chicken and couscous wraps, which were recommended by our server. Consequently, we were curious how they would compare to the ones we had tried at other Middle Eastern restaurants.

Meanwhile, as we were enjoying our meal, we suddenly heard the sound of a plate breaking. However, we turned to see that one of the customers had accidentally knocked over a plate and broken it. As a result, the restaurant staff quickly rushed over to clean up the mess and ensure the customer was okay.

I couldn’t resist asking the owner for the chicken and couscous wrap recipe as we finished our meal. Initially, the owner hesitated, but I persisted and explained how much I loved the sauce and wanted to try making it at home.

To my surprise, the owner eventually agreed to give me the recipe. Therefore, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to try making the dish myself. Consequently, a few days later, I went to the store to buy all the ingredients.

In this tantalizing chicken and couscous wraps recipe, you’ll need succulent strips of chicken, minced garlic, vibrant chopped spinach, fresh ginger, aromatic cumin, roasted pistachios, sun-dried tomatoes, pomegranate arils, cilantro, minced garlic, tangy kalamata olives, zesty lemon juice, water or chicken broth, creamy tahini, fluffy couscous, spicy cayenne, rich olive oil, honey, warm cinnamon, Greek yogurt, flavorful pepper, tangy plain Greek yogurt, crumbled goat cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Get ready for a burst of delicious flavors!

Chicken and couscous wraps are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying meal. However, if you’re looking to enhance the experience, here are some delightful accompaniments to consider. For example:

1. Serve with a refreshing side salad composed of crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
2. Add a dollop of creamy hummus on the side for a creamy and flavorful dip.
3. Pair with a traditional Middle Eastern yogurt sauce, such as tzatziki or garlic sauce, for an extra burst of tanginess.
4. Include a platter of assorted pickled vegetables like pickled turnips, cucumbers, or olives to provide a delightful contrast of flavors.
5. For a complete meal, serve alongside a bowl of warm lentil soup or a flavorful chickpea stew.
6. Don’t forget to offer some warm pita bread or flatbread on the side for wrapping or dipping purposes.
7. Finish the meal with a sweet treat like baklava or a refreshing fruit salad for a satisfying ending to your Middle Eastern feast. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

So, this is how I create Middle Eastern chicken and couscous wraps at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken sliced into strips
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced or grated
• 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped spinach
• 1 tbsp of fresh ginger, minced or grated
• 1 tsp of cumin
• 1/3 cup of chopped roasted shelled pistachios
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & sliced; reserve oil (1-2 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp of pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced or grated
• 1/3 cup of sliced kalamata olives
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup of water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of tahini (sesame paste)
• 3/4 cupof dry couscous
• 1/2 tsp of cayenne
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 tsp of crushed red pepper
• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp of pepper
• 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 4 oz of crumbled goat cheese
• Salt and pepper

How to create Middle Eastern chicken and couscous wraps?

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1. For marinating chicken, blend olive oil, Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, pepper, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl or a ziplock bag. Additionally, add chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. While the chicken marinates, prepare couscous by boiling water or broth, then add couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Afterward, fluff couscous with a fork and mix in spinach, honey, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oil, pistachios, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Keep the mixture warm.
3. For the tahini sauce, whisk tahini (warm for 20-30 seconds if it’s too thick), olive oil, garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Set the sauce aside and stir in pomegranate seeds just before serving.
4. After marinating, heat a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess marinade, and stir-fry in the skillet for 4-6 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Finally, assemble the wraps by spreading tahini sauce on the center of warmed naan bread. Layer couscous and chicken over the sauce, and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.
6. Optionally, add more cilantro, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds as garnish. Fold the wrap and enjoy your meal!

As you savor the last bite of this delightful Middle Eastern chicken and couscous wraps, take a moment to reflect on the power of food to create connections, memories, and cultural appreciation. Inspired by an unforgettable evening in Houston, this recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary journey. I hope that by recreating this dish at home, you too, can experience the joy of exploring new flavors, sharing meals with loved ones, and celebrating the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that make our world so wonderfully diverse. Bon appétit!