36g Protein, Mediterranean Chicken Pitas

Nothing quite beats the tantalizing smell of grilled chicken wafting through the air, especially as you prepare for a wholesome Mediterranean feast. Did you know that by incorporating ingredients like chicken and Greek yogurt into your meals, you can significantly boost your protein intake—important for muscle health and maintaining a balanced diet? Picture biting into a warm, pillowy pita filled with juicy chicken, creamy hummus, and crisp veggies; it’s satisfying beyond measure and perfect for any weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. Let’s dive into one of my favorite recipes: Mediterranean Chicken Pitas.

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Why This Mediterranean Chicken Pitas Never Fails

This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser; it’s simple enough for a weeknight rotation yet fancy enough for entertaining guests. The combination of easy-to-find ingredients and vibrant flavors means you can whip this up in no time, making it a must-have in your recipe arsenal. Plus, the fresh veggies and protein make it a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get started with the essentials.

Ingredient Breakdown

To craft these Mediterranean Chicken Pitas, you’ll need:

• Ezekiel Prophet’s Pocket Bread (4 pieces): These nutritionally dense pitas are perfect for holding all the delicious filling.
• Sabra Roasted Red Pepper hummus (2/3 cup): Creamy and full of flavor—this hummus will add a delightful zing.
• Plain non-fat Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Provides a nice tang while keeping the dish protein-packed.
• Medium roma tomatoes (2): Diced for that fresh burst of flavor.
• Small cucumber (1): Chopped for a crunchy texture that complements the other ingredients.
• Chicken breast (1 lb): Lean protein ready to be grilled to perfection.
• Homemade Brine Mix (3 tbsp): This secret ingredient ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
• Olive oil (1 tsp): For coating the chicken and enhancing flavor.
• Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Seasoning (1/2 tsp): A zesty seasoning that brightens the dish.
• Dried rosemary (1/2 tsp): To infuse an aromatic flavor into the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

Let’s Cook

Follow these steps to create a mouth-watering Mediterranean Chicken Pita:

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
2. Add the brine mix and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour over ice in a flat-bottomed resealable container.
4. Add the chicken, then add additional water until the chicken is submerged.
5. Brine for at least 5 hours or up to 12 hours. Expert Tip: For a quicker option, brine the chicken for just an hour in a salt solution.
6. Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse with cold water.
7. Pat dry on a paper towel, then pound down the thicker end of the chicken breast until they’re even thickness across. Expert Tip: This helps in cooking the chicken evenly.
8. Rub the chicken with olive oil until evenly coated.
9. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and Oh My Spice! seasoning.
10. Preheat the grill to 400 degrees.
11. Grill the chicken for 6 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for 4-5 minutes on the other side until the chicken reaches 160 degrees in the thickest part of the breast.
12. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before chopping.
13. Assemble the pitas: Cut them in half.
14. On each half, spread hummus on one side and Greek yogurt on the other.
15. Add cucumber, tomato, and chopped chicken.
16. Serve immediately, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of these Mediterranean Chicken Pitas is not only bursting with flavor but also packs a nutritious punch. You can expect approximately:

• Serving Size: 1 full pita
• Calories: 400
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g

With this recipe, you’re providing a great source of lean protein and healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these Mediterranean Chicken Pitas at a family gathering or picnic for a relaxed yet delicious meal. Pair with a light Mediterranean salad, featuring arugula, olives, and feta, or opt for a side of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sophistication. Splinging a glass of refreshing cucumber lemonade or iced herbal tea will add a beautiful finishing touch to your dining experience.

How to Store It Right

To keep these Mediterranean Chicken Pitas fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to save leftovers, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately, which allows for quick reheating later on. Freshness Tip: Store the fresh veggies separate until ready to serve to keep them crispy.

Expert Tips

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for an extra flavor boost.
• Keep your grill well-oiled to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
• Feel free to toast the pitas lightly before filling them; this adds an inviting warmth and texture.
• For a more colorful presentation, incorporate a variety of diced bell peppers or add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Flavor Experiments

Why not shake things up a bit? Here are some fun flavor twists to try:

• Seasonal Twist: Add roasted butternut squash in the fall for a slightly sweet contrast.
• Gourmet Option: Swap out regular chicken for a herb-infused grilled shrimp for a seafood delight.
• Playful Variation: Introduce slices of avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese for creaminess and richness.

Learn from My Mistakes

Cooking doesn’t always go as planned, so here are common pitfalls to avoid when making Mediterranean Chicken Pitas:

• Dry Chicken: Overcooking is the enemy of juicy chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
• Soggy Pitas: Filling pitas too early can lead to soggy bread. Fill just before serving for the best texture.
• Under-seasoned Chicken: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Brining not only flavors but also keeps the chicken moist, so don’t skip it.
• Imbalanced toppings: Having too much or too little of a topping can throw off the flavor. Aim for equal portions of chicken and veggies.
• Chilled Ingredients: Using cold or straight-from-the-fridge ingredients can affect the pita experience. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Creative Second-Day Ideas

How can you repurpose any leftovers? Here are a couple of inventive suggestions:

• Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Toss chopped chicken with mixed greens, diced cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Hummus Bowl: Use leftover pita bread to craft a hearty hummus bowl, layering with remaining chicken and any other veggies you have on hand.

Quick Questions

• Can I use store-bought hummus or is homemade better? Store-bought hummus is absolutely fine—just choose a high-quality brand! Homemade can be richer, but convenience is key here.
• What other proteins can I use for this recipe? Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey, tofu, or even grilled lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Are there side dishes I can prepare in advance? Absolutely! Roasted vegetables or a Mediterranean quinoa salad can be prepped ahead of time for easy serving.
• How do I make these pitas vegetarian? Skip the chicken and load up on grilled vegetables for a fully vegetarian option. Add extra feta or chickpeas to enhance the protein factor!

Now that you’re equipped with all the details on how to create these delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pitas, it’s time to fire up that grill and prepare a dish that your family will love—one bite at a time!