The Chicken Pita Recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy sauces, all wrapped in a soft pita bread. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a picnic, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors at home. Follow this guide to make your own delicious chicken pita that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your family and friends.
How to Make Chicken Pita
Chicken pita is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together a medley of textures and tastes. With a few key ingredients and some easy preparation steps, you can create a meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients for Chicken Pita Recipe
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pita:
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Pitas:
- Warm the pita bread slightly on the grill or in a microwave.
- Spread a generous amount of the yogurt-tahini sauce inside each pita.
- Layer the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and feta cheese inside the pita.
- Drizzle with additional sauce if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Pita
- Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors, but longer marination will enhance the taste even more.
- Pita Bread: Use fresh, soft pita bread for easier wrapping and better taste.
- Grilling: Ensure the grill is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and juicy interior.
What to Serve with Chicken Pita
- A side of Greek salad
- Homemade hummus and pita chips
- Roasted vegetables
- Tzatziki sauce for extra dipping
Ingredients Substitute
- Chicken: Replace chicken with lamb or beef strips for a different protein option.
- Sauce: Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Feta Cheese: Use goat cheese or leave out for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chicken pita is a versatile and delicious meal that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish for entertaining, this recipe is sure to please.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pita:
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Pitas:
- Warm the pita bread slightly on the grill or in a microwave.
- Spread a generous amount of the yogurt-tahini sauce inside each pita.
- Layer the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and feta cheese inside the pita.
- Drizzle with additional sauce if desired.
