Greek Chicken Pita – Grilled Chicken in Pita With Tzatziki, Vegetables, and Feta Cheese (~30g Protein)
If you’re looking for a meal that combines flavor and nutrition, the Greek Chicken Pita is worth your attention. With tender grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita, it offers a satisfying balance of protein and taste. This dish isn’t just easy to make; it can also fit various dietary needs. Curious about how to prepare it and make the most of its flavors? Let’s explore the details.
History
The history of pita bread, which dates back to ancient times, reveals its deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in the Middle East, where its consumption stretches back to around 2500 BC. You can trace the evolution of pita through Greek cuisine, especially during the Hellenistic era, when local ingredients mingled with flavors from neighboring regions. This is where the beloved chicken pita emerged, featuring marinated chicken and yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, a staple condiment since the Ottoman Empire. As you savor your pita filled with grilled chicken, you join a rich culinary tradition that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. Over the years, this dish has soared in popularity, embodying the essence of Mediterranean street food enjoyed around the globe.
Why I Like It
One reason Greek Chicken Pita stands out is its incredible balance of flavors and nutrition. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious meal, packed with everything your body craves.
Greek Chicken Pita offers a perfect blend of flavors and nutrition, making it an easy and satisfying meal choice.
- Grilled chicken delivers about 30g of protein, perfect for muscle repair.
- The creamy tzatziki sauce not only enhances flavor but also adds probiotics for gut health.
- Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes contribute essential vitamins and invigorating crunch.
- Topped with feta cheese, you get a rich taste and an extra boost of calcium.
This dish isn’t just tasty; it fosters a sense of community—whether you’re sharing with friends or making it your go-to meal, it invites everyone to savor those delightful Greek flavors together!
Recipe
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 22–25 minutes
The Easy Greek Chicken Pita Pockets are a delicious way to enjoy a fulfilling meal that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare. Marinated chicken thighs bring a burst of flavor, and when paired with warm pita and fresh toppings, you get a delightful blend of textures and tastes. This dish is perfect for busy weekdays as it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners that don’t compromise on flavor.
To elevate your Greek chicken pita, the essential ingredient is tzatziki sauce, which combines Greek yogurt, cucumber, and herbs for a creamy finish. Optional toppings such as crumbled feta and fresh vegetables can enhance the meal even further, providing both flavor and nutrition. Get ready to serve up these tasty pita pockets that are sure to please!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onion
Cooking Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, then add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 10 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Once the grill is ready, cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear. After cooking, remove the chicken, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and slice into strips. Warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1-2 minutes. Assemble the pita pockets by placing the chicken inside, adding tzatziki sauce, and garnishing with optional toppings.
Extra Tips
For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for a longer time if possible, even overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the taste but also helps tenderize the meat. When serving, have a variety of toppings ready so everyone can customize their pitas to their liking. If you’re looking to add a bit of crunch, consider adding shredded lettuce or radishes. Enjoy your homemade Greek chicken pitas!
How To Make The Recipe
To create your Greek chicken pita pockets, start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices for at least four hours. This enhances flavor and tenderness. Next, grill the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes on each side at 450°F until it reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy grilled chicken. While it cooks, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing grated cucumber (squeezed dry), Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt—let it chill. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet, then spread the tzatziki inside. Load it up with the grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and finish with crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy this easy-to-make Greek chicken pita!
Storage Instructions That Include
While enjoying your Greek chicken pita, it’s important to know how to store leftovers properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some quick tips to guarantee everything stays delicious:
- Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Keep the cream tzatziki sauce in a separate sealed container for up to 3-4 days to preserve its taste.
- Assemble pita pockets fresh to avoid sogginess, and store salads separately to keep them crisp.
- Refrigerate leftover vegetables and consume within 2-3 days to prevent wilting.
How To Store
Storing your Greek chicken pita properly guarantees you enjoy every bite even after your meal. Start by placing your grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it should stay fresh for 4-5 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce in a separate sealed container; it’ll remain creamy for about 3-4 days, ready to enhance every bite. Pita bread can sit at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for longer freshness. For the best experience, store leftover ingredients separately to keep them from getting soggy. If you’ve got leftover vegetables or salads, try to consume them within 1-2 days to retain their flavor and crispness. Enjoy your delicious, fresh meals!
How To Freeze
Freezing your Greek chicken pita components can be a game-changer for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish later. Here’s how to make it easy and efficient:
- Marinate the chicken and store it in airtight freezer bags for up to three months.
- Slice and freeze vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers separately to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Prepare tzatziki sauce in small portions and freeze for up to one month—this way, you only defrost what you need.
- Assemble the pita pockets without sauce and veggies, wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn for two months.
When you’re ready to eat, just thaw chicken and vegetables overnight in the fridge and enjoy!
How To Reheat
When you’re ready to enjoy your Greek chicken pita, reheating the components properly guarantees a delicious meal. Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side to warm it through, preserving that juicy flavor. If you’re pressed for time, you can microwave it in a covered dish with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes. To warm the pita bread, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds—this keeps it soft. Remember, avoid heating the creamy tzatziki; just let it sit at room temperature for a bit. Finally, assemble your pita with the fresh vegetables for that delightful crunch. You’ve got a fantastic, easy meal!
Final Thoughts
As you wrap up your meal planning, remember that the Greek chicken pita isn’t just a quick dinner option; it’s a customizable dish that delivers both flavor and nutrition. With its grilled chicken marinated in a savory mix, it can become your go-to for any weeknight. Plus, the creamy tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt ties everything together beautifully.
Consider these benefits when making your Greek chicken pita:
- Easy meal prep for busy weeks
- Versatile options to cater to dietary needs
- Quick to make in under 30 minutes
- Packed with protein and veggies for nourishment
Greek Chicken Pita
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onion
Instructions
- To create your Greek chicken pita pockets, start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices for at least four hours. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Next, grill the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes on each side at 450°F until it reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy grilled chicken.
- While it cooks, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing grated cucumber (squeezed dry), Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt—let it chill. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet, then spread the tzatziki inside.
- Load it up with the grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
- Enjoy this easy-to-make Greek chicken pita!
Recipe Portions
Since you have 4 pita breads, this recipe makes 4 servings (1 pita with fillings per person).
Nutrition Calculations (per serving)
I’ll use average USDA values for each ingredient.
Chicken thighs (1 lb / 454 g raw, boneless, skinless)
- Per 100 g cooked: ~165 cal, 25 g protein, 0 g fiber
- Cooking shrinks weight to ~340 g total cooked
- Per serving (85 g cooked): ~140 cal, 21 g protein, 0 g fiber
Olive oil (2 tbsp total)
- 1 tbsp = 119 cal, 0 g protein, 0 g fiber
- Per serving: 60 cal
Lemon juice (2 tbsp total)
- Negligible calories/protein/fiber
Garlic (2 cloves)
- ~9 cal, 0.4 g protein, 0.2 g fiber total
- Per serving: negligible
Dried oregano, salt, pepper
- Negligible macros
Pita bread (1 medium, ~60 g)
- ~165 cal, 5 g protein, 1 g fiber
Tzatziki sauce (1 cup total / 4 servings → ¼ cup per serving)
- Per ¼ cup: ~35 cal, 2 g protein, 0 g fiber
Optional toppings (average, per serving)
- Feta cheese (1 tbsp / 15 g): ~40 cal, 2 g protein, 0 g fiber
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, onion (~50 g total): ~10 cal, 0.5 g protein, 0.5 g fiber
Total per serving (without optional toppings)
- Calories: 400 cal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Step 4 – With optional toppings (feta + veggies)
Fiber: ~1.5 g
Calories: ~450 cal
Protein: ~30.5 g
