These tandoori chicken wraps combine grilled chicken marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices with a cooling yogurt and mint dressing. Everything is wrapped in tortillas, pita, or naan.
These tandoori chicken wraps are inspired by classic tandoori chicken, relying on a spiced yogurt marinade to tenderize the chicken. The spices and cooking method here sway slightly from tradition, though still create an altogether enticing Middle Eastern-inspired creation. Not true tandoori chicken? Shrug. Beauty, traditional or otherwise, tends to be in the eye of the beholder. The chicken is also spectacular served simply on its own.–Renee Schettler Rossi
☞ Contents
Tandoori Chicken Wraps
Ingredients
For the tandoori chicken
- 1 3/4 cups plain yogurt (whole-milk or low-fat but not non-fat)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes or to taste
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thinness
For the mint-yogurt dressing
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (preferably whole-milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons chopped mint
- 1 teaspoon table salt or to taste
For the tandoori chicken wraps
- Naan, pita, or flour tortillas warmed
- Romaine or leafy lettuce (optional)
Directions
Make the tandoori chicken
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
- Prepare a hot fire for grilling or preheat a gas grill. Brush the grill rack with olive oil.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat, covered, until cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Make the mint-yogurt dressing
- While the chicken is cooking, in a smallish bowl, combine all the ingredients. Cover and refrigerate.
Assemble the tandoori chicken wraps
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and thinly slice. Arrange the chicken on a platter. Arrange the naan, pita, or tortillas on another platter. Set out the mint-yogurt dressing.
- Instruct everyone at the table to pile several slices of chicken in a tortilla or pita, add some lettuce if desired, spoon some dressing on top, roll into a wrap, and devour.
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Recipe Testers’ Reviews
This is a simple and fun recipe to prepare. The aromatic blend of spices, along with the yogurt and fresh mint, results in a refreshing smell of traditional Indian cooking. Having spent considerable time in various parts of India over the years, chicken tandoori, along with mutton vindaloo, have become my two favorite main Indian dishes.
Tortillas make a nice substitute for naan. I used red leafy lettuce, thinly sliced, as well as a spicy salsa, to round out the dish. Very tasty and enjoyable.
My family really enjoyed this chicken dish. The combination of flavors in the marinade made for a slightly spicy chicken. It would have been good to serve just as they were grilled.
My husband and I enjoyed the sauce, but the kids didn’t share our feelings—they prefer their ranch dressing. The mint in the dressing was not overpowering but provided some coolness to the spicy chicken. Adding shredded carrots and lettuce made for a nice crunch in this dish. We’ll be making this again.
These wraps have an excellent taste and the addition of the lettuce (try using a mesclun mix) enhances the flavour and texture. Prepare them ahead of time and wrap individually in plastic wrap to take (along with some extra sauce) as part of a picnic lunch.
Tandoori Marinade? Yes. Tandoori Chicken? I don’t know if it should be called that unless it’s done in a tandoor. The results are tasty, though.
Originally published May 08, 2019
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If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We'd love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
This was a simple, versatile, and delicious recipe. I would definitely prepare it again. I might add chopped cucumbers as an additional stuffing. It is perfect for entertaining, because everything can be prepared ahead so the host has only to worry about grilling while chatting with guests.
Thanks Christina! Great suggestion on adding the cucumber, and it’s always fantastic to have these back-pocket recipes that are perfect for entertaining.
These chicken wraps were easy to prepare. The prep time was quick, and while the chicken breasts were marinating I made the dressing and a side of tabouleh. The chicken was moist and tender and was delicious in the wraps. I included carrots in my wrap, along with the dressing, for extra crunch. I have already passed this recipe on to a few friends.
Anna, yup. These wraps couldn’t be easier or faster to make it they tried. I hope your friends like it!
The sauce is divine. I fear mint in general but found its amount perfect. All my guests asked for the sauce recipe. I marinated the chicken for just over 1/2 an hour and will definitely marinate it longer in the future to gather all the lovely flavors.
We love to hear the word “divine,” Carol. And yes, longer marinating will, as you know, beget more loveliness…Thanks for letting us know how much you & yours liked this.
I broiled the chicken; it was really moist and delicious. My 6 year old, who likes meat and bean burritos, made his with mashed black beans and the chicken, without the sauce. The adults tried some roll-ups with tomato, onion, and black beans to make a more typical wrap sandwich, but found they didn’t improve the flavor. Our best roll-ups were simply the chicken, fresh spinach, and spears of cucumber.
We will definitely be making this again. Next time we will consider shredded carrots or cabbage for even more crunch.
Lin, so glad you liked the recipe. We’re going to tag it as kid-friendly–thanks to your son.
These are great—the chicken is both flavorful and incredibly tender. I included julienned carrots, cucumber, and red onions, as well as lettuce strips, for rolling. The only thing I would say is not to be afraid of overstuffing your roll-up: When I put less chicken in, the wrap obscured the flavor of the fillings.