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Greek Chicken Pita Wraps


  • Author: Sarah

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

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 30
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 45