Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich

Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich Recipe - Authentic Greek Cuisine

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

The Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich is a modern twist on traditional Greek flavors. It combines classic ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and Greek salad dressing with grilled chicken to create a tasty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

6 chicken breast tenderloins
5 tbsp Greek salad dressing
3 cups shredded lettuce
0.5 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese
0.5 cucumber, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp sliced black olives
4 tbsp Greek salad dressing
4 pita rounds, cut in half

How to prepare

Marinate the tenders in 5 tbsp of dressing in a sealable bag for 30 minutes.
Preheat an outdoor grill.
Cook the tenders for 8 minutes.
Place lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cucumbers, and olives in a bowl and toss with the remaining dressing.
Dice the cooked chicken and add it to the lettuce mixture.
Make a pocket in the pita halves and stuff them with the mixture.

Variations

Add roasted red peppers or grilled eggplant for extra flavor.
Use lamb or beef instead of chicken for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes to ensure they are flavorful and tender.

- Make sure to preheat your grill before cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking.

- Toss the lettuce mixture with the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich with a side of tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of Greek salad dressing for a lighter option.

- Substitute Kalamata olives for black olives for a more authentic Greek flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this sandwich with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 350

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Proteins

Protein: 32g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

Vitamin C: 15%

Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat

Summary

This Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

This Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Athens, Greece, where I found myself wandering aimlessly, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. As I meandered through the narrow alleyways, my nose caught a whiff of something incredibly delicious coming from a small, cozy cafe tucked away in a corner.

Intrigued, I followed my senses and found myself standing in front of a quaint little restaurant with a sign that read "YiaYia's Kitchen." Curious and hungry, I decided to step inside and see what this place had to offer. The moment I entered, I was enveloped in the warm, inviting aroma of spices and herbs that filled the air. The place was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all chatting and laughing over plates of steaming hot food.

I found a small table near the window and sat down, eager to try whatever it was that smelled so amazing. I glanced at the menu and my eyes landed on the words "Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich." Intrigued, I ordered it without hesitation, eager to taste this mysterious dish that had captured my attention.

When the plate arrived, I was greeted with a sight that made my mouth water. A fluffy, warm pita bread was stuffed with tender, juicy pieces of grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a generous drizzle of creamy tzatziki sauce. It was a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds with every bite.

As I savored each mouthful of this delicious sandwich, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of ingredients was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

After finishing my meal, I approached the owner of the restaurant, an elderly Greek woman with a warm smile and twinkling eyes. I introduced myself and asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe for the Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich with me. To my delight, she agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, as she guided me through the process of making this delectable dish.

She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, to ensure that it would be tender and flavorful. She taught me how to grill the chicken to perfection, so that it was juicy and charred on the outside. She demonstrated how to assemble the sandwich with all the fresh ingredients, making sure that each bite would be a burst of flavor.

As we cooked together, she shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe many years ago. She spoke of how food had the power to bring people together, to create memories and connections that would last a lifetime. I listened intently, soaking up every word she said, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone who had such a deep love and respect for food.

By the time we finished cooking, the sun had begun to set, casting a warm golden glow over the kitchen. We sat down at the table and enjoyed our creations, savoring each bite in silence. It was a moment of pure bliss, a shared experience that transcended language and culture.

As I bid farewell to the kind woman who had shared her recipe with me, I knew that I would carry this memory with me forever. The Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich had not only filled my belly but had also filled my heart with joy and gratitude. I left the restaurant with a spring in my step, eager to recreate this dish for my own family and friends, to share the magic of this recipe with everyone I knew.

And so, that is how I learned to make the Greek Chicken Pita Sandwich, a recipe that has become a treasured favorite in my own kitchen. Every time I take a bite of that delicious sandwich, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen in Athens, to the warmth and hospitality of the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and connections that transcend time and space. And for that, I am eternally grateful.