Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade & Filling (Serves 4):
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional, for color and smoky flavor)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Greek Yogurt: 1.5 cups, full-fat plain (essential for creaminess)
- Cucumber: 1 medium, grated and squeezed of excess water (about 1 cup grated)
- Garlic: 1-2 cloves, minced or grated very finely
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Fresh Mint: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (optional, but adds lovely freshness)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, extra virgin
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
For Assembling the Pita Pockets:
- Pita Bread: 4-6 large, good quality pita breads (whole wheat or white)
- Tomatoes: 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- Cucumber: 1/2 medium English cucumber, diced (or 2-3 Persian cucumbers)
- Red Onion: 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced (soak in cold water for 10 mins to mellow flavor, then drain)
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved (optional)
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended)
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
- Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg, shredded (optional, for extra crunch)
- Lemon Wedges: For serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
* In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
* Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
* Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. Overnight marination is even better for maximum flavor.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
* Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is crucial for a thick, creamy tzatziki and prevents it from becoming watery.
* In a separate bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped mint (if using), olive oil, and salt.
* Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (more salt, lemon, or garlic).
* Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Tzatziki tastes even better when made a few hours ahead.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
* While the chicken is marinating and the tzatziki is chilling, prepare your fresh toppings.
* Dice the tomatoes and cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion (and soak if desired). Halve the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese. Chop the parsley. Shred the lettuce if using.
* Keep these ingredients separate or combine them into a simple Greek-style salad if preferred.
4. Cook the Chicken:
* You have several options for cooking the chicken:
* Stovetop (Skillet/Grill Pan): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it). Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown, slightly charred, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
* Outdoor Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling. Thread the chicken onto skewers. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
* Oven Broiler: Preheat your broiler. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning, until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Warm the Pita Bread:
* Warming the pitas makes them softer and more pliable, preventing them from tearing when stuffed.
* Oven: Wrap pitas in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
* Microwave: Wrap pitas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft.
* Grill/Pan: Briefly warm pitas on the grill or a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
6. Assemble Your Greek Pita Pockets:
* Carefully cut off the top third of each warm pita bread to create a pocket, or simply fold it in half like a taco.
* Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce inside each pita pocket.
* Layer in the cooked chicken.
* Add your desired fresh vegetables: diced tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce.
* Sprinkle with Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 550-650
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Protein: 45-55g