In today’s fast-paced world, finding a meal that’s both quick to prepare and packed with flavor can be a challenge. Enter the Chicken Pita a delightful combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm, soft pita bread. This recipe is perfect for those hectic days when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences, making it a go-to option for many.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pita
Quick and Easy
With minimal preparation and cooking time, this chicken pita recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Nutritious
Packed with lean protein from the chicken and vitamins from fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal option. If you’re looking for another healthy way to enjoy chicken, check out these delicious chicken salad recipes for fresh and light meal ideas.
Customizable
Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer plant-based alternatives, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or substitute with butterflied and pounded chicken breasts)
- ½ Cup Vinegar-Based Salad Dressing of your choice (e.g., homemade white balsamic vinaigrette, 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 substitute with naan or your preferred flatbread)
- ½ English Cucumber, chopped
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Arugula
- ½ cup Red Onion Pickles (or use plain sliced red onion and/or pickled banana pepper slices)
- 1 Ripe Avocado, cubed
- ½ cup Tzatziki (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 oz Crumbled Feta
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in a shallow dish and pour the salad dressing over them. Let them marinate for 15 minutes to an hour. If you love flavorful chicken dishes, try these chicken and Italian sausage recipes for a heartier meal.
2. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest and Chop
Once cooked, let the chicken rest, tented with foil, for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Warm the Pitas
While the chicken rests, warm the pitas. You can do this by:
- Microwave – Lightly sprinkle some water over the surface of the pita bread, wrap it in a clean towel, and microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
- Steamer – Place the pita bread in a steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 1-2 minutes to soften.
- Oven Warming – Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil and warm it for about 5-10 minutes.
For even more flavor, try sprinkling some homemade seasoning on your pita bread before warming it. You can use classic spices or even a flavorful blend like this Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning for an extra kick.
5. Assemble the Pitas
Spread 2 tablespoons of tzatziki on each warm pita. Layer with chopped chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, arugula, red onion pickles, avocado, and crumbled feta. Adjust the quantities based on your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Fold the pita around the fillings and enjoy your delicious chicken pita wrap!
Cooking Tips
Best Ways to Warm Pita Bread
- Microwave with a towel: Lightly sprinkle some water over the surface of the pita bread, then wrap it in a clean towel. Microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
- Use a steamer: Place the pita bread in the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 1-2 minutes to soften.
- Oven warming: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil and warm it for about 5-10 minutes.
Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
- For a vegan option, use marinated tofu, tempeh, or store-bought vegan chicken alternatives. Pair with vegan tzatziki or hummus.
Personal Anecdote
I remember the first time I made these chicken pita wraps for my family. It was a hectic weekday evening, and I needed something quick yet nutritious. The combination of grilled chicken and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita was an instant hit. Since then, it’s become a staple in our household, especially during busy weeks.
FAQs
What goes in a chicken pita?
A chicken pita typically includes grilled chicken, fresh vegetables (like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and arugula), a flavorful sauce (such as tzatziki or hummus), and crumbled feta cheese, all wrapped in a warm pita bread. You can customize it with extras like pickled onions, avocado, or even crispy fries for added texture.
Is chicken pita healthy?
Yes! Chicken pita is a nutritious meal packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats. Opting for whole wheat pita, using grilled chicken instead of fried, and adding a balanced mix of fresh ingredients makes it even healthier.
What’s the difference between chicken gyro and chicken pita?
While both dishes feature chicken wrapped in pita bread, the key difference lies in preparation and seasoning. A chicken gyro is made with thinly sliced, marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, often seasoned with Mediterranean spices. A chicken pita, on the other hand, usually features grilled or pan-seared chicken, making it a simpler and slightly lighter option.
Is pita healthier than bread?
Pita can be a healthier choice than regular bread, depending on the type. Whole wheat pita contains more fiber and nutrients compared to white bread, and it tends to be lower in calories and carbohydrates than some thick-sliced sandwich breads. However, both can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.
Conclusion
This chicken pita recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for those busy days. Its versatility ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy a delicious and satisfying wrap. So, the next time you’re pressed for time but crave something tasty, give this chicken pita a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Grilled Chicken Pita
Equipment
- Grill or Skillet
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or substitute with butterflied and pounded chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup Vinegar-Based Salad Dressing e.g., balsamic vinaigrette, Italian dressing
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 Pitas or substitute with naan or preferred flatbread
- 0.5 English Cucumber chopped
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Arugula
- 0.5 cup Red Onion Pickles or use plain sliced red onion
- 1 Ripe Avocado cubed
- 0.5 cup Tzatziki homemade or store-bought
- 4 oz Crumbled Feta
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in a shallow dish and marinate with the salad dressing for 15 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest, tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the pitas.
- Chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the pita wraps by spreading 2 tablespoons of tzatziki on each pita. Add chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, arugula, red onion pickles, avocado, and feta.
- Fold the pita around the fillings and enjoy your delicious chicken pita wrap!