
Greek Chicken Pita Recipe
Learn how to make this quick and easy Greek chicken pita recipe with juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki. This simple recipe brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 800g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large pita breads (or flatbreads)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 250g Greek yogurt
- 1 large cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- Mixed lettuce leaves
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Step 1
Begin by preparing your chicken marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, oregano, cumin, paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a fragrant paste. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours would be ideal for deeper flavour penetration.Step 2
While your chicken is marinating, prepare your tzatziki sauce. Take the grated cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or fine mesh strainer. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and squeeze firmly to remove excess water - this step is crucial to prevent a watery tzatziki. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the drained cucumber, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.Step 3
Prepare your fresh vegetables. Dice the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Thinly slice the red onion - if you find raw onion too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Wash and dry your lettuce leaves thoroughly. Crumble the feta cheese and set everything aside.Step 4
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers and is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer - don't overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side, then turn and cook for another 4-5 minutes. The chicken is ready when it's golden brown all over and cooked through with no pink inside - the internal temperature should reach 75°C if you have a meat thermometer.Step 5
While the chicken finishes cooking, warm your pita breads. You can do this in several ways: wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, warm them in a dry pan for 30 seconds each side, or briefly toast them in a toaster until just warm and pliable. Keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm and soft.Step 6
Now comes the assembly - the most enjoyable part! Lay each warm pita bread flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center, leaving space at the edges for folding. Add a handful of lettuce leaves, followed by the warm, seasoned chicken pieces. Top with diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.Step 7
Drizzle each pita with a little extra olive oil and add an extra dollop of tzatziki if desired. Carefully fold the bottom edge of the pita up, then fold in the sides to create a pocket that holds all the delicious filling securely. Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or foil if you like, to make eating easier and less messy. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the pita is soft and pliable.
What ingredients are used in Greek Chicken Pita Recipe?
The main ingredients include boneless chicken thighs, pita breads, olive oil, oregano, cumin, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and lettuce leaves.
How to cook Greek Chicken Pita Recipe from scratch at home?
Learn how to cook greek chicken pita recipe by marinating chicken in Mediterranean spices, preparing fresh tzatziki with Greek yogurt and cucumber, then cooking the seasoned chicken until golden. Assemble in warm pita with fresh vegetables and feta cheese.
How long should you marinate chicken for Greek-style pita wraps?
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for basic flavour, though 2 hours is ideal for deeper penetration of the Mediterranean spices like oregano, cumin, and paprika into the meat.
What's the secret to making authentic tzatziki sauce at home?
The key is properly draining grated cucumber by salting it and squeezing out excess water using a clean kitchen towel. This prevents watery tzatziki and ensures a thick, creamy consistency.
Can you make chicken pita wraps ahead of time for meal prep?
You can prep components separately - cook chicken, make tzatziki, and chop vegetables in advance. However, assemble just before serving to prevent soggy pita bread and maintain freshness.
