If there’s one meal I turn to time and again when I need something quick, nourishing, and flavorful, it’s a chicken pita. This Chicken Pita Recipe is one of those dependable, go-to meals I learned to prepare in my early kitchen days, and over time, it has become a family favorite.
My grandmother, though Italian through and through, always loved exploring other cuisines. She introduced me to the joy of pita bread, often stuffing it with grilled meats and fresh veggies for a fuss-free yet satisfying meal. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pita Recipe
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Packed with protein and fresh veggies
- ✅ Customizable with your favorite toppings
- ✅ Great for all seasons
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Pita & Toppings:
- 4 whole pita breads (or flatbreads)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup hummus or tzatziki sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade onto the chicken. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
Step 3: Warm the Pita
- Warm pita breads in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or toast on a pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Pitas
- Spread a spoonful of hummus or tzatziki inside each pita.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sliced chicken.
- Top with crumbled feta and an extra drizzle of lemon juice or dressing.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pita Recipe
- Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added brightness.
- Spice it up with a dash of chili flakes or harissa.
- Go dairy-free by skipping the feta and using a plant-based sauce.
- Make it low-carb by serving over a salad instead of in a pita.
Make It a Meal
Pair your Chicken Pita Recipe with:
- A refreshing cucumber mint yogurt drink (like this mint lassi)
- Oven-roasted sweet potatoes or spiced chickpeas
- A classic Mediterranean orzo salad
Meal Prep & Storage
- Fridge: Store cooked chicken separately from veggies and pita. Keeps up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling.
- Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Variations to Try
Greek-Style Chicken Pita
Swap hummus for tzatziki and add kalamata olives and oregano.
BBQ Chicken Pita
Use BBQ sauce instead of the spice marinade and top with coleslaw.
Spicy Southwest Chicken Pita
Add black beans, avocado, corn, and chipotle mayo.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on brands and toppings used.
- Serious Eats – The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Marinades
- The Mediterranean Dish – Easy Homemade Pita Bread
- EatingWell – 30-Minute Mediterranean Recipes
- America’s Test Kitchen – Grilled Chicken Masterclass
For more inspiration on pita variations and Mediterranean flavors, explore these trusted sources:
Related Recipes from Our Kitchen
Naturally, we recommend exploring more delightful dishes at Top Recipes To Do for a variety of quick, delicious meals!
Reader Engagement
Tried this Chicken Pita Recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! Did you use hummus or tzatziki? Add a spicy twist? Snap a photo and tag us—we love seeing your creations!
PrintEasy Chicken Pita Recipe: A Delicious and Simple Meal for Any Season
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make chicken pita recipe featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread.
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried dill
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 pita breads
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
-
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
-
1 cup fresh arugula or lettuce
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Cook the marinated chicken on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest.
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Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet.
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Assemble the pitas by spreading tzatziki sauce inside, then layering with arugula or lettuce, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Notes
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For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
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Ensure the cucumber is well-drained to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
-
Customize with additional toppings like avocado or roasted peppers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Pita Recipe, Easy Chicken Pita, Grilled Chicken Pita