Greek Chicken Pita Wraps

Greek Chicken Pita Wraps have become a staple in our household, and for good reason! There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of juicy, flavorful chicken, fresh crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, all nestled in a warm, soft pita. From busy weeknights to relaxed weekend lunches, these wraps have consistently been a hit. Even my pickiest eater devours them, which is a testament to their deliciousness and versatility. If you’re looking for a healthy, vibrant, and incredibly tasty meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please, look no further – these Greek Chicken Pita Wraps are about to become your new favorite too!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The star of the show, providing lean protein and a blank canvas for the vibrant Greek flavors.
• Greek Yogurt: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt. Adds tenderness to the chicken and creates a tangy base for the marinade, also contributing to browning.
• Lemon Juice: ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. Brightens the flavors, tenderizes the chicken, and adds a signature Greek citrus note.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Adds richness, helps distribute the marinade, and contributes to juicy chicken during cooking.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Essential aromatic, infusing the chicken with pungent and savory garlic flavor.
• Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon dried oregano. A cornerstone of Greek cuisine, providing a warm, slightly peppery, and distinctly Mediterranean aroma.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Complements the oregano with its earthy and slightly minty notes, adding depth to the herb profile.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice and complexity to the marinade.

For the Pita Wraps:

• Pita Bread: 6-8 pita breads. The perfect vessel for holding all the delicious fillings, choose soft and pliable pitas for easy wrapping.
• Tzatziki Sauce: 1 cup store-bought or homemade tzatziki sauce. A creamy, cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce that is quintessential to Greek wraps.
• Cucumber: 1 medium cucumber, diced. Adds refreshing coolness and a satisfying crunch to the wraps.
• Tomato: 2 medium tomatoes, diced. Provides juicy sweetness and vibrant color, a classic wrap ingredient.
• Red Onion: ½ red onion, thinly sliced. Offers a sharp, slightly pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the chicken and tzatziki.
• Feta Cheese: ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Salty, tangy, and crumbly, feta cheese adds a signature Greek flavor and creamy texture.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. For garnish and a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Kalamata Olives (optional): ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved. Adds a salty, briny, and distinctly Mediterranean flavor dimension.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a smooth and fragrant marinade. The yogurt will act as a tenderizer, while the lemon juice and herbs will infuse the chicken with classic Greek flavors.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the marinade, ensuring every surface is covered. This step is crucial for flavor development and tenderizing the chicken. For optimal flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful and tender chicken. If you are short on time, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference.
3. Cook the Chicken: There are several methods for cooking the chicken, choose your preferred method based on equipment and desired flavor:
   • Grilling (Recommended): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the marinade). Grill the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that complements the Greek marinade beautifully and creates attractive grill marks.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking is a convenient and hands-off method, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.
   • Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Pan-searing creates a nice crust on the chicken and is a quicker cooking method compared to baking.
4. Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill, oven, or skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
5. Warm the Pita Bread (Optional): While the chicken is resting, you can warm the pita bread for a more enjoyable wrap. There are several ways to warm pita bread:
   • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap pita breads in foil and warm in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
   • Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each pita bread for about 30 seconds per side, until softened and slightly warmed through.
   • Microwave: Wrap pita breads in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
6. Assemble the Greek Chicken Pita Wraps: Lay out the warmed pita breads. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce inside each pita. Add a portion of the sliced Greek chicken, followed by diced cucumber, diced tomato, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. If desired, add Kalamata olives and fresh parsley.
7. Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita bread around the fillings to create a wrap. You can secure the wraps with parchment paper or foil if desired, especially if serving to a crowd or for easier handling. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy Greek Chicken Pita Wraps!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately 1 wrap, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal. A moderate calorie count for a satisfying and complete meal, providing energy for your day.
• Protein: 35-45 grams. High in protein, essential for muscle building, satiety, and overall body function. Primarily from the chicken and Greek yogurt.
• Fat: 20-30 grams. Includes healthy fats from olive oil and Greek yogurt, contributing to satiety and nutrient absorption. Fat content can vary based on tzatziki sauce and feta cheese.
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams. Provides energy from pita bread and vegetables. Choose whole wheat pita for increased fiber.
• Fiber: 3-5 grams. Beneficial for digestion and satiety, primarily from vegetables and potentially whole wheat pita.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands and amounts.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (includes marinade preparation and chopping vegetables). Quick and efficient prep work makes this recipe ideal for weeknights.
• Marination Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours (minimum 30 minutes recommended, longer for better flavor). Marinating time is mostly hands-off, allowing you to prepare other parts of the meal or relax.
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on cooking method – grilling, baking, or pan-searing). Relatively short cooking time, ensuring a meal that can be on the table quickly.
• Total Time: 1 hour to 4 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time). While total time can be longer with marinating, active cooking and prep time remain under an hour.

How to Serve

Greek Chicken Pita Wraps are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Lunch or Dinner: Serve them as is for a satisfying and complete lunch or dinner. They are a balanced meal on their own, packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• With Side Salads: Pair them with a light and refreshing Greek salad (Horiatiki salad) or a simple green salad to enhance the Mediterranean theme and add extra vegetables. A cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the wraps beautifully.
• Alongside Greek Lemon Potatoes: Roast some Greek lemon potatoes as a heartier side dish. The tangy potatoes pair wonderfully with the flavors of the wraps and add a comforting element to the meal.
• With Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Offer hummus and a platter of fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers) as a starter or side. This adds extra healthy options and complements the Mediterranean flavors.
• As Part of a Greek Feast: Include Greek Chicken Pita Wraps as part of a larger Greek-inspired spread. Serve alongside other Greek dishes like spanakopita, dolmades, or a Greek orzo salad for a festive and flavorful meal.
• For Picnics and Packed Lunches: These wraps are excellent for picnics and packed lunches. Wrap them tightly in parchment paper or foil to keep them fresh and prevent them from falling apart.
• Party Food/Appetizers: Cut the wraps in half or smaller portions to serve as appetizers or party food. They are easy to eat and always a crowd-pleaser.
• DIY Pita Wrap Bar: Set up a DIY pita wrap bar where everyone can assemble their own wraps with the cooked chicken, pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and various toppings. This is a fun and interactive way to serve them, especially for gatherings. Offer a variety of toppings like different types of olives, pickled onions, banana peppers, or roasted red peppers to cater to different tastes.

Additional Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Pita Wraps

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! While 30 minutes is good, allowing the chicken to marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, will significantly enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches this temperature. Resting the chicken after cooking is also crucial to retain moisture.
3. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of ingredients directly impacts the taste of the wraps. Use fresh vegetables, good quality olive oil, and flavorful feta cheese. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferable to bottled juice for a brighter flavor.
4. Make Your Own Tzatziki: While store-bought tzatziki is convenient, homemade tzatziki is incredibly easy to make and tastes significantly fresher and more flavorful. It typically involves Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Making it yourself allows you to adjust the flavors to your preference.
5. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of capers or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a drizzle of hot sauce to the wraps.
6. Warm the Pita Bread Properly: Warming the pita bread makes it more pliable and enhances its flavor. Avoid overheating the pita bread, as it can become dry or tough. Warming it gently until it’s soft and pliable is ideal.
7. Prepare Components Ahead of Time: To save time, you can prepare components of the wraps ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the morning or the day before. Chop the vegetables and make the tzatziki sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy when you are ready to eat.
8. Experiment with Different Cooking Methods: While grilling is recommended for its smoky flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cooking methods. Baking is a convenient option, and pan-searing provides a nice crust. You can even use an air fryer for a quicker and healthier cooking method. Adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the method you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and can be even more flavorful and juicy due to their higher fat content. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work best. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook than breasts. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make these wraps vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians or vegans! For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms. For a vegan version, use marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken, and ensure your pita bread and tzatziki sauce are vegan-friendly (use a plant-based yogurt for tzatziki or find a vegan tzatziki alternative).

Q3: How long can I store leftover Greek Chicken Pita Wraps?
A: It’s best to store the components of the wraps separately to prevent the pita from becoming soggy. Store the cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, warm the chicken and pita bread (if desired) and assemble fresh wraps. Assembled wraps are best consumed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours if tightly wrapped, though the pita may soften.

Q4: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights. Just remember to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking, even if the marinade has been made ahead.

Q5: Can I freeze the cooked Greek chicken?
A: Yes, cooked Greek chicken freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat the chicken in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through.

Q6: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt? Can I use something else for the marinade?
A: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even sour cream in a pinch. However, Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture and tangier flavor that is ideal for this marinade. If using plain yogurt or sour cream, you might want to add a little extra lemon juice to achieve a similar tangy flavor profile.

Q7: Can I grill the pita bread instead of just warming it?
A: Yes, grilling pita bread is a fantastic way to add a smoky flavor and slightly crispy texture. Lightly brush the pita bread with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side over medium heat until lightly charred and warmed through. Be careful not to over-grill, as they can become too crispy and hard to fold.

Q8: What are some good side dishes to serve with Greek Chicken Pita Wraps besides salads and potatoes?
A: Besides salads and potatoes, consider serving these wraps with:

• Greek Lemon Rice: A flavorful and aromatic rice side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are delicious and healthy.
• White Bean Salad: A simple white bean salad with herbs and lemon dressing.
• Watermelon and Feta Salad: A refreshing and summery salad that complements the Greek flavors.
• Spicy Feta Dip (Htipiti): For an extra appetizer or dipping sauce for the pita bread.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Greek Chicken Pita Wraps!

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