With so many reasons, you’d never run out of valid excuses to keep in your regular rotation this chicken pita recipe.
Well, here’s what it best does:
- Speedy and Easy Preparation: It takes under 30 minutes to make, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Healthful: The high quality protein lean, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats make this recipe healthy.
- Customizable: Alter any of the toppings or sauces or exchange the type of pita.
- Great for Meal Prepping: So much you can cook in one sitting, but then eat it many different times.
This dish fits nicely into the Mediterranean mold of eating linked to heart health and longevity according to Harvard Health.
What you will need to use
Need for the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 4 whole wheat pita breads (or regular)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
For the Sauce (Tzatziki or Garlic Yogurt):
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Step-By-Step Chicken Pita Recipe
Marinate Chicken
Marinate the Chicken. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in bowl. Stir with the chicken strips, rubbing it all over for an even coating.. Then allow the marination for at least 15-30 minutes (or overnight for a deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high; place the chicken strips on it. On each side, cook it up to 5-6 minutes or until done with some slight charring. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, add Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix it well and keep it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, so that the flavors become one.
Heat Pitas
Warm your pita breads a little bit on the skillet or directly over the flames of gas for a few seconds on each side until they are flexible and lightly toasted.
Assemble the Perfect Chicken Pita with Fresh Toppings and Sauce
With Sauce, Lettuce, Chicken Strips, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion and Crumbled Feta Cheese, Assemble the Pitas: Take those pitas and lay them flat. Fresh herbs confer the finishing touch as well as more drizzle of sauce if required.
Substitutions and Variations
What makes lovely about this chicken pita is how easy it is to customize:
Low-Carb Option
Use low carb pita or fill in a lettuce wrap or salad bowl.
Dairy-Free
Just omit the feta and then use any dairy-free yogurt alternative in its place.
Spicy Kick
Add harissa, sriracha, or chili flakes to marinade or sauce for a spicy version.
Vegetarian
For a vegan replacement, try substituting chicken with grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted chickpeas.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Depending on the particular ingredient combinations and serving sizes, the rough breakdown is as follows:
- Calories: 350—450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3—5g
The chicken pita could thus be called tasty, but it also makes for an excellent balanced meal.
Professional Tips for the Best Chicken Pita
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier than breasts, especially over high heat.
- Double the Marinade: Spare some to drizzle on top for some flavorful kick.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This ensures the chicken gets some nice sear.
- Add Pickled Veggies: Pickled red onions or turnips will deliver some zingy crunch.
If you are crazy for wraps, then you need to check our guide for making the perfect homemade shawarma for more ideas.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. They will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days at best.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Do not reheat the sauce; keep it cold as a nice refreshing contrast.
Freezing
Marinated raw chicken will freeze for up to 2 months. Cooked chicken also freezes well, but fresh is always the best to use for pita sandwiches.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just slice thinly and warm,d up before you assemble.
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What type of pita should I go for?
All options are fine: whole wheat, white, and pocketless. Go for either option depending on your preferred texture.
-
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Definitely! Grilling imparts a lovely smoky flavor and saves on dirty dishes—great for summer cooking.
Some Serving Suggestions
- Serve your chicken pita with:
- Hummus and pita chips on the side
- Greek salad with olives and feta
- Lemon herb couscous or tabbouleh
- Roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini
Summary
This chicken pita recipe contains bold flavor, a satisfying mouthfeel, and balanced nutrition—all musts in our book for an amazing meal! Whether you are feeding yourself, family, or some friends for a casual gathering, this recipe is truly versatile and can be assembled ahead or at the very last minute.
