Description
These Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas combine succulent, spiced ground chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese, all wrapped in warm whole wheat pita bread. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful lunch or dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and incorporates classic Mediterranean flavors with a tangy yogurt-lemon sauce and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pita Assembly
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
Yogurt Sauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to blend well.
- Warm the Pita Breads: While the chicken finishes cooking, warm the whole wheat pita breads in a dry skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave until pliable and warm.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a simple, tangy sauce.
- Assemble the Pitas: Open each warmed pita bread to create a pocket. Fill each pita with a generous portion of the seasoned ground chicken, then add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced kalamata olives.
- Add Yogurt Sauce and Garnish: Spoon the yogurt sauce into each pita for creaminess and drizzle. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or mint on top for freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or lamb in place of ground chicken if preferred.
- For extra crunch and freshness, add shredded lettuce or red cabbage to the pita fillings.
- Tzatziki sauce is a delicious alternative to the yogurt-lemon sauce if you want a more traditional Greek flavor.
