What is a Chicken Pita Recipe?
A chicken pita recipe is a delicious, versatile dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables, savory sauces, and soft pita bread. Often served as a quick meal or light dinner, it provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This dish is easy to customize based on personal preferences and can cater to a variety of diets. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, the chicken pita offers a satisfying and flavorful option.
Explore different ways to prepare chicken for pitas and find your perfect style!
Typically, the chicken is grilled or roasted, and the pita serves as the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious fillings. The recipe can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, depending on the seasonings and toppings you choose. With the right balance of ingredients, a chicken pita can become an unforgettable meal, combining savory, fresh, and creamy elements into every bite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Easy Grilled Chicken Pita Wraps
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Made with just 10 simple ingredients & only 15 minutes of active time in the kitchen, this Greek-inspired chicken souvlaki wrap recipe uses some easy store-bought shortcuts to get that takeout fake-out flavor in a snap!
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or sub chicken breasts that have been butterflied and pounded to ½ inch thickness.
- ½ Cup Vinegar-Based Salad Dressing of your choice I like homemade white balsamic vinaigrette or regular balsamic vinaigrette, Girard’s Champagne Vinaigrette, Newman’s Own Italian, Aldi’s Apple Thyme Vinaigrette
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 Pitas or sub naan or the flatbread of your choice
- ½ English Cucumber chopped
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 C Arugula
- ½ C Red Onion Pickles or use plain sliced red onion and/or pickled banana pepper slices
- 1 Ripe Avocado cubed
- ½ C Tzatziki homemade or store-bought
- 4 oz Crumbled Feta
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place in a shallow dish and marinate with the salad dressing for 15 minutes to an hour.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs until they reach an internal temp of 165F.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest, tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the pitas. Chop rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the pita wraps. Add 2 tablespoons of tzatziki to each pita. Divvy up the remaining ingredients, adding more or less of each according to your preferences. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
Optional Variations:
- Add French Fries – Depending on who you talk to, french fries (or some kind of fried potatoes) are an essential piece of any gyro wrap. When we’re in the mood for a little extra carby goodness, we air fry some frozen french fries to stuff into the pitas or serve them on the side with extra tzatziki for dipping.
- Make It Vegetarian – Don’t do chicken? No worries! Veggie, chickpea, or falafel pita wraps are also tasty AF. Swap in some grilled veggies (e.g. bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash) that you’ve marinated in the salad dressing, use store-bought or homemade falafel, and/or add some grilled halloumi or bread cheese as your primary protein.
- Go Vegan – Swap the chicken for grilled veggies and/or a can of Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas with lemon and cumin that you’ve warmed on the stovetop. Swap out the tzatziki for garlicky hummus, or swap in the creamy vegan spread of your choice.
- Try Gluten-Free – Either opt for egg wraps, gluten-free pitas or flatbreads, or make a Greek chopped salad bowl and omit the bread altogether! Feel free to add some extra carbs with spicy green rice, lemony greek potatoes, or the grains of your choice.
Best ways to warm pita:
- Microwave with a towel: Lightly sprinkle some water over the surface of the pita bread, then wrap it in a clean towel. Microwave the towel-wrapped pita bread for about 10-15 seconds, or until the bread is warm and soft.
- Microwave with a tortilla warmer: Use a microwaveable tortilla warmer to soften the pita without drying them out.
- Use a steamer: Place the pita bread in the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 1-2 minutes. This will help to moisten the bread and make it soft and pliable.
- Warm it on the top shelf of your grill or in the oven: If you have a grill with a higher shelf or rack, you can heat the pita while the chicken grills. Otherwise, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Either way, wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil and warm it for about 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
- Cuisine: Fusion, Greek
Nutrition
- Calories: 665kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 892mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
Essential Tools and Ingredients
Before diving into the chicken pita recipe, it’s crucial to gather the right tools and ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill (for cooking the chicken)
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowls (for marinating chicken and mixing toppings)
- Tongs or spatula
- Pita bread, preferably fresh
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
- Olive oil for marinating and grilling
- Garlic powder, paprika, and cumin (for seasoning)
- Fresh vegetables: lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onions
- Sauces: tzatziki, hummus, or a tahini dressing
- Lemon juice (for added zest)
Having the right tools and ingredients on hand will ensure you can prepare your chicken pita effortlessly, creating the best flavors possible in every bite.
Learn how to perfect your chicken preparation for pita recipes.
Preparing the Chicken
The success of your chicken pita recipe depends largely on how you prepare the chicken. Begin by selecting fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs often provide more flavor and moisture, but chicken breasts work perfectly for a leaner option.
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor.
Next, heat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This will help retain its juiciness, making your chicken pita extra delicious.
Crafting the Perfect Pita Bread
While you can easily buy pre-made pita bread from the store, nothing beats the taste of freshly baked pita. Crafting your own pita bread adds an extra layer of authenticity to your chicken pita recipe. Here’s how to make the perfect pita:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the olive oil and gradually mix in warm water, kneading until the dough is smooth.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake the discs on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before slicing.
Homemade pita bread adds a soft, pillowy texture that perfectly complements the savory chicken and toppings, making your chicken pita recipe even more delightful.
Flavorful Toppings and Add-ons
The beauty of a chicken pita recipe is that you can customize it to your taste. Here are some ideas for flavorful toppings and add-ons:
- Lettuce: Fresh, crisp greens like romaine or spinach add a refreshing crunch.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a cool, crisp texture that pairs well with the seasoned chicken.
- Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes provide a burst of flavor and color.
- Red onions: Thinly sliced red onions add a touch of sharpness to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Pickled vegetables: Adding pickled cucumbers, olives, or radishes brings a tangy contrast that enhances the overall taste.
- Cheese: Feta or goat cheese can be crumbled over the top for a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro give your chicken pita a vibrant, aromatic finish.
The key to a great chicken pita recipe is balancing the flavors and textures of these toppings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your ideal pita creation.
Building the Perfect Chicken Pita
Assembling the chicken pita recipe is where all the ingredients come together. Here’s how to build the perfect pita:
- Start by placing your freshly grilled chicken strips in the center of the pita.
- Add your preferred toppings—lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onions are classic choices, but feel free to experiment.
- Drizzle your favorite sauce over the chicken and toppings. Tzatziki is a popular choice, but hummus or tahini also work well.
- Optionally, sprinkle some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
- Fold the pita around the filling, ensuring that the contents are securely held inside.
The perfect chicken pita recipe strikes the right balance between a warm, soft pita and flavorful fillings, all while being easy to hold and eat.
Health Benefits of a Chicken Pita Recipe
A chicken pita recipe can be a healthy choice, depending on how it is prepared. Here are some of the health benefits of this dish:
- Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and overall body function.
- Fresh Vegetables: The vegetables commonly added to chicken pitas, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting better health.
- Low in Carbs: If you opt for whole wheat pita bread, it can be lower in carbs, providing more fiber and keeping you fuller for longer.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, used in marinating the chicken, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
By incorporating whole ingredients and fresh vegetables, your chicken pita recipe can be a balanced and nutritious meal suitable for various dietary needs.
Variations of the Chicken Pita Recipe
The chicken pita recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to try something new or adapt the recipe to specific dietary needs, there are plenty of exciting ways to customize your chicken pita. Here are some variations to consider:
Grilled Chicken Pita with Spicy Sauce
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a spicy sauce can transform your chicken pita recipe. You can use a homemade hot sauce, sriracha, or even harissa to add bold flavors. Combine it with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce to balance out the spice.
Chicken Shawarma Pita
For a Middle Eastern twist, try making a chicken shawarma pita recipe. Marinate the chicken in a blend of yogurt, garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, then roast or grill it. Serve with traditional shawarma toppings such as pickled vegetables, tahini sauce, and fresh parsley, giving your pita an extra layer of flavor.
Low-Carb Chicken Pita Recipe
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can easily adapt the chicken pita recipe by replacing the traditional pita with a low-carb alternative. Lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas make excellent substitutes, providing the same satisfying wrap experience without the carbs.
BBQ Chicken Pita
For a smoky, sweet twist, swap out the traditional chicken marinade for barbecue sauce. Grill the chicken with BBQ sauce and add toppings such as red onions, corn, and a handful of cilantro. A tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing can complement the flavors and give your chicken pita recipe a deliciously different taste.
Chicken Pita with Hummus
To add a rich, creamy texture, you can spread a generous layer of hummus on your pita before adding the grilled chicken and toppings. This variation works especially well with a Mediterranean-inspired chicken pita recipe, featuring fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
Grilled Lemon Chicken Pita
For a refreshing and zesty option, marinate your chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling. The tangy lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the soft pita and fresh vegetable toppings. This variation of the chicken pita recipe is ideal for a light, summery meal.
Chicken Pita with Feta and Olives
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, try adding crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives to your chicken pita. These ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish, providing a salty, savory contrast to the grilled chicken. Pair with a simple tzatziki sauce to complete the Mediterranean-inspired chicken pita recipe.
Crispy Chicken Pita
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, try breading the chicken before frying it. This variation of the chicken pita recipe offers a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pita and creamy sauces. Pair with a fresh slaw or pickled vegetables to add even more texture and flavor to your meal.
FAQs
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even ground chicken. Thighs tend to be juicier, but chicken breasts are leaner and cook quicker.
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for grilled vegetables, falafel, or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Try adding garlic powder, oregano, or sesame seeds to the dough for an added punch of flavor.
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, pita bread, and toppings in advance. Assemble the pitas just before serving to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
A chicken pita recipe offers a delicious and versatile option for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a light snack, this dish can easily be customized to suit your taste. By focusing on fresh ingredients, flavorful toppings, and the perfect balance of textures, you can create a pita that is both nutritious and delicious.
With the right preparation, your chicken pita can become a staple in your recipe rotation, offering endless possibilities for customization. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting this simple yet delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.
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