Pic Credit: confessionsofagroceryaddict
Chicken pitas are delicious and multi-dimensional. Indeed, they bring Greek flavors to your table. This recipe will be ideal whether you are thinking of a quick lunch or dinner, or meal prep, with marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce in warm pita pockets. Be it a grilled chicken pita or the baked version; this chicken pita recipe is something that will tempt your taste buds anytime. Now, let’s see the step-by-step method to prepare this delicious pita.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
To make this delightful Chicken Pita Recipe: Easy & Delicious, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 4 whole wheat pita pockets
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- Cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mixed greens or arugula
- Tzatziki sauce (optional, for serving)
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Allow chicken to marinate for about 30 minutes. For ultimate effectiveness, however, allow it to marinate overnight. This allows the chicken to take in immense flavor and tenderness. Lemon juice, therefore, containing acid, and Greek yogurt, containing cream, will easily help break down the proteins in chicken and make it juicy and full of flavor.
- To ensure the chicken is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will not only ensure food safety but is of extreme importance when working with chicken. Warm the pita in a grill pan or in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to
make it soft and nice enough to eat. This step keeps the pita from tearing when you fill it.
Chicken Pita Recipe: Easy & Delicious
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Some people just like cooking with boneless, skinless chicken breasts because of the mild flavor. Other people like to use chicken thighs because they say they are juicier and full of flavor. You may use one or both, whichever you like. If you use chicken thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time just a little; sometimes they take longer to cook completely.
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Plain Greek yogurt works for marinating, is not only for flavor, but it tenderizes the chicken. If you can't find Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt; just strain it overnight to achieve the thicker consistency. Meanwhile, Greek yogurt lends a nice creaminess to the dish and is great for sauces.
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Most grocery stores have pita bread in the deli section or the bread aisle. Whole wheat pitas are a healthier alternative, but regular pitas work just as well. You may also find larger pita breads that can be cut in half to make pockets.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Marinate the Chicken: Now, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a big bowl until smooth. Add chicken breasts or thighs to a bowl and make sure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results. The more you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.
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Grilling Pan: After that heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill pan, a regular skillet will serve the purpose fairly well, too. Allow the pan to heat up well so that you achieve a good sear on the chicken. To know if the pan is hot enough for grilling, sprinkle a few drops of water on the pan. If they sizzle and immediately evaporate, the pan is ready to go.
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Grilling the Chicken: Now, remove the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nice grill marks appear. Using a meat thermometer, check for doneness. If you use chicken thighs, they may take another couple of minutes to cook through.
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Rest the Chicken: Once it is cooked, remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, to let those juices redistribute into providing tender chicken. Never cut chicken immediately after cooking, because it allows all possible juice to come out and leaves the chicken dry.
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Slice the Chicken: Slice the chicken after resting into bite-sized pieces; whichever you prefer. Slicing against the grain can make it tender.
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Prepare Pita: Grill pita in grill pan for about 30 seconds on each side, or microwave for a few seconds to soften the bread so it does not crack when folded.
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Assemble the Pitas: For assembling, stuff each warmed pita pocket with chicken, crumbled feta cheese, cucumber slices, slices of red onion, diced tomatoes, and mixed greens. If required, drizzle with tzatziki sauce. You might want to add sliced bell peppers or olives to enhance the flavor and texture.
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Serve: Serve chicken pitas while warm and enjoy them as a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep option.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Meal Prep: So these are great for meal prep. Marinate the chicken in advance and store in the fridge. Cook the chicken, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Assemble pitas when you're ready to eat. You can also pre-chop the veggies and store them separately to save time during the week.
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Grilled Chicken Pitas: You can actually take a cue from the name and grill the chicken on an outdoor grill rather than a grill pan to achieve smokiness. The nice char it produces enriches the overall taste. If grilling, remember to preheat your grill first and oil your grates to prevent sticking.
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Vegetarian Variation: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, or even with a protein source of falafel or chickpeas. Marinating the vegetables in the same yogurt mixture may give flavor and tenderness.
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Add Flavor: You can add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint, which will give it an extra flavor. Other ingredients that you could use include olives and roasted red peppers for added Mediterranean flavors. Playing with the toppings will make this dish exciting and fresh.
EQUIPMENT
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Grill pan or skillet
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Large bowl for marinating
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Tongs or spatula
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Cutting board
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Knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Plastic wrap (for marinating)
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the assembled pitas to add color and freshness. Not only does it elevate the presentation, but it really adds freshness to the taste.
Offer with Sides: The chicken pitas will be good on the side with Greek salad, homemade fries, or light soup to complete it as a meal course. Roasted vegetables can be served as a simple side that can work well with the flavors.
Offer Dipping Sauces: Along with the tzatziki sauce, offer hummus or a spicy harissa sauce for dipping. It gives variety and lets guests fix up their pitas the way they like it.
Are you looking for another chicken dish? Chicken and Gravy Recipe: Easy and Delicious is a flavorful twist!
