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Flavorful Chicken Pitas

flavorful chicken pitas - featured image

Juicy spiced grilled chicken stuffed in warm pita pockets with fresh, crisp veggies and a creamy yogurt sauce. A quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves, chopped
  • 46 pita pockets
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate at least 10 minutes.
  2. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, crumble feta, and chop herbs. Keep chilled until serving.
  3. Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Heat grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
  5. Place marinated chicken on grill pan without crowding. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer chicken to cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  7. Warm pita pockets in grill pan or oven for 2-3 minutes until soft and slightly toasted.
  8. Spread yogurt sauce inside each pita, add sliced chicken, fresh toppings, and sprinkle with herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts if preferred. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Warm pitas just before serving to avoid sogginess. Can substitute gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for low-carb option. Yogurt sauce can be swapped with tzatziki, hummus, or tahini.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pita, grilled chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Mediterranean, healthy, spiced chicken