Craving fresh, zesty flavors without the hassle? Meet Chicken Souvlaki Pita—a Greek street food legend that’s basically a flavor party in your hands. Imagine juicy, lemon-garlic chicken tucked into warm pita with crunchy veggies and cool, creamy tzatziki. It’s quick, healthy, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. Let’s get cooking!
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1. What You’ll Need (Grocery List)
No fancy ingredients, promise!
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work, but thighs stay juicier!)
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin for max flavor)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed—trust me, it’s worth it)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced from a jar)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (Greek oregano if you can find it)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat Fage or Chobani for creaminess)
- ½ cucumber, grated (squeeze out excess water with a paper towel!)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4-6 pita breads (try Toufayan or Stonefire for store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: Kalamata olives, feta cheese, fries (yes, fries!)
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2. Prep Like a Pro (30 Minutes + Marinating Time)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Chop chicken into 1-inch cubes and toss in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight = flavor explosion!).
Step 2: Whip Up the Tzatziki
- Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out water using a paper towel (soggy tzatziki = sad tzatziki).
- Mix cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
Step 3: Chop Veggies
Slice tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Keep ’em crisp in the fridge.
3. Cooking: Grill, Pan, or Oven?
Grill/Pan Method (Fast & Charred):
- Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high (around 400°F/200°C).
- Thread chicken onto skewers (if using wooden ones, soak in water first!).
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
Oven Hack (Hands-Off):
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Secret Tip: Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches for that perfect golden crust.
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4. Assemble Like a Greek YiaYia
- Warm pitas in a dry pan or microwave (10 seconds) for flexibility.
- Spread tzatziki down the center of each pita.
- Load up with chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, olives, and feta.
- Fold like a taco or roll into a wrap.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with crispy Greek fries (sprinkle with oregano!).
- Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges.
- Serve with a simple Greek salad or roasted veggies.
5. Level-Up Tips
- Marinate Overnight: Chicken soaks up more flavor.
- Add Zest: Toss lemon zest into the marinade for extra brightness.
- Dietary Tweaks: Use gluten-free pita, vegan yogurt, or swap chicken for chickpeas.
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6. Quick Recap & Fun Fact
In 30 minutes (plus marinating), you’ve got a vibrant, customizable meal that beats takeout. Fun fact: Souvlaki dates back to ancient Greece, where they called it “obeliskos” — skewered meat cooked over fire!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, serves 4):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 35g (mostly from pita & veggies)
- Fat: 25g (healthy fats from olive oil & yogurt)
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
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FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead?
A: Yes! But reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes to avoid dryness.
Q: No Greek yogurt? What’s a sub for tzatziki?
A: Use plain yogurt strained in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Marinate chicken overnight and chop veggies ahead. Tzatziki stays fresh for 2 days.
Q: How to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat chicken in a pan (microwave makes it rubbery). Keep veggies cold.
Q: Vegetarian version?
A: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or marinated tofu.
Final Thought: This dish is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Don’t stress perfection—pile those pitas high, drizzle with extra tzatziki, and enjoy the Mediterranean vibes! 🥙✨
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