why make this recipe
Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas are a quick and healthy meal option that packs a punch of flavor. They are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Using lean ground chicken keeps the dish light, while the fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce add a deliciously tangy touch. Plus, they are easy to assemble, making them great for both adults and kids.
how to make Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs lean ground chicken
- ¾ red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Greek seasoning
- ¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 6 pita bread rounds (cut in half)
- ½ cup tzatziki
- 2 cups curly lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
Directions:
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground chicken with diced red onion and Greek seasoning. Use a spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid, then stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Make the Salad: In a medium bowl, combine grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Pitas: Cut pita rounds in half. Spread tzatziki inside each pita pocket. Layer with cooked ground chicken, chopped lettuce, and cucumber tomato salad. Top with crumbled feta and sliced olives. Serve immediately.
how to serve Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas
Serve these pitas warm or at room temperature. They make a great lunch or dinner option. Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal.
how to store Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas
Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken and salad can be kept for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken before assembling the pitas again.
tips to make Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas
- Use whole wheat pita for extra fiber.
- Swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or lean beef if preferred.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for more crunch.
variation
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground chicken with cooked quinoa or lentils, and use a plant-based tzatziki.
FAQs
1. Can I make these pitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and salad a day in advance. Just assemble and serve them when you’re ready.
2. What can I use instead of tzatziki?
You can use hummus, yogurt, or any preferred sauce in place of tzatziki for different flavors.
3. Are these pitas suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They are perfect for meal prep. Store the components separately, and assemble when ready to eat for the freshest flavor.
Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs lean ground chicken
- 0.75 cup red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Greek seasoning
- 0.25 cup Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
For the Salad
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 0.25 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 0.25 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
For Assembly
- 6 pieces pita bread rounds (cut in half)
- 0.5 cup tzatziki
- 2 cups curly lettuce, chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup kalamata olives, sliced
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground chicken with diced red onion and Greek seasoning. Use a spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid, then stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Make the Salad
- In a medium bowl, combine grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Pitas
- Cut pita rounds in half. Spread tzatziki inside each pita pocket. Layer with cooked ground chicken, chopped lettuce, and cucumber tomato salad. Top with crumbled feta and sliced olives. Serve immediately.