Greek Chicken Pita Pockets

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 4 whole wheat pitas These main ingredients provide the base for your pita pockets. The chicken gives protein, while Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang. Whole wheat pitas are healthy and hold everything together. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste This marinade makes the chicken flavorful and moist. Olive oil keeps the meat juicy. Garlic adds depth, and lemon juice brightens the dish. Oregano brings that classic Greek flavor. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Toppings add color and crunch to your pita. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy. Cucumbers offer a nice crunch. Feta adds saltiness and creaminess, while parsley adds fresh flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Mix them well until smooth. This marinade will give your chicken a burst of flavor. Next, take your chicken breasts and cut them into strips. Add the chicken to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can even marinate it for up to 2 hours if you want more flavor. After marinating, it's time to cook the chicken. Preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. This step is key for juicy chicken. For Greek Chicken Pita Pockets, marinating the chicken adds great flavor. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up the tangy yogurt and spices. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This extra time boosts the flavors even more. Just remember, longer is better for taste! When cooking the chicken, keep it juicy and tender. Use medium-high heat on your grill or stovetop grill pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating. Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling. This step keeps the juices inside and makes every bite tasty. Filling and serving pita pockets is fun! Gently warm the pitas in a dry skillet. This makes them soft and easy to open. Start by adding grilled chicken, then layer on the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Don’t forget the feta cheese on top! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and flavor. Serve warm, and watch everyone enjoy these delicious Greek chicken pita pockets! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, marinate for up to 2 hours. This allows the spices and yogurt to penetrate deeper into the meat. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables. They will enhance the taste and texture of your pita pockets significantly. Grill at the Right Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps to achieve those perfect grill marks and seals in the juiciness of the chicken. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or avocado to personalize your pita pockets to your taste. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for beef or lamb. Both meats add a rich flavor. Beef works well with spices like cumin and paprika. Lamb adds a unique taste that pairs nicely with mint. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose. Ground meats can also work. They grill quickly and fit well in the pita. For a meatless meal, use grilled vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are great choices. You can also try plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils. Marinate the veggies like you would with chicken. This adds flavor and makes your dish more hearty. You can even use falafel for a fun twist! Get creative with spices and herbs! Adding fresh dill or mint can give your dish a refreshing kick. Try smoked paprika for a smoky taste. A dash of chili flakes adds heat if you like spice. You can also incorporate lemon zest for more citrus flavor. The goal is to make this dish your own! To store cooked chicken and leftovers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. The chicken will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. It’s best to keep the toppings separate. This way, they won’t get soggy. When ready to eat, just grab your chicken and toppings. If you want to keep your chicken and pitas longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap chicken strips tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. For pitas, wrap them in foil or plastic, too. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating pita pockets, I recommend using an oven or skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each pita in foil and warm for about 10 minutes. This keeps them soft. If using a skillet, heat it on medium. Place the pita in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes per side. This method brings back their fresh taste. Enjoy your Greek Chicken Pita Pockets warm! To make a Greek yogurt sauce, follow these steps: - In a bowl, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them. - Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. - Stir in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is creamy and flavorful. It pairs well with your chicken pita pockets. You can also use it as a dip for fresh veggies or pita chips. Yes, you can use store-bought pita. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: - It's quick and easy. - No need to make dough. - Available at most grocery stores. Cons: - It may be less fresh than homemade. - You might miss out on the fun of making your own. If you have the time, try making homemade pita. It tastes better and is fun to make. You can serve many sides with Greek Chicken Pita Pockets. Here are some ideas: - A light Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. - Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. - Fresh fruit like watermelon or grapes. - Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries. These sides will complement your meal and add variety to your plate. Enjoy! This blog post shared how to make tasty Greek chicken pita pockets. We covered essential ingredients like chicken, yogurt, and whole wheat pitas. I gave clear steps on marinating and cooking the chicken, plus tips to keep it juicy. We explored protein swaps and vegetarian choices for variations. You also learned how to store and reheat leftovers. Now, you have the tools to enjoy this delicious meal. Experiment with flavors and make it your own!$

Delicious grilled chicken served in whole wheat pita pockets with fresh vegetables and feta cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
4 pieces whole wheat pitas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 piece cucumber, diced
0.5 piece red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
Cut the chicken breasts into strips and add them to the marinade. Ensure they're well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat the grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
While the chicken cooks, prepare the pita pockets by gently warming them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until they're soft and pliable.
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
To assemble the pita pockets, open each pita and fill it with a generous amount of grilled chicken, followed by cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley on top for added freshness and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Pita Pockets!

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor.

Keyword chicken, Greek, grilled, healthy, pita