Greek Chicken Sandwiches

Greek Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - Authentic and Bursting with Flavor

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Greek Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken strips with fresh vegetables and a creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a soft pita bread. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of Greek Chicken Sandwiches can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where pita bread and fresh vegetables are staples in the diet. The addition of seasoned chicken strips and ranch dressing gives this traditional dish a modern twist that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

0.5 cup skim milk
0.5 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 lb (454 g) skinned and boned chicken breast, cut into 0.25 inch wide strips
vegetable cooking spray
1 tbsp vegetable oil
6 romaine lettuce leaves
6 slices unpeeled tomato, cut in half (0.25 inch thick)
6 slices green bell pepper, cut in half (0.13 inch thick)
6 uncut pita bread rounds (7 inches)
0.75 cup reduced-calorie ranch dressing

How to prepare

Place milk in a large bowl; set aside.
Place breadcrumbs in a large zip-top plastic bag.
Add chicken to milk; stir well, and drain.
Add chicken to plastic bag with breadcrumbs; seal bag, and shake to coat chicken with breadcrumbs.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; add 1 tbsp oil, and place over medium-high heat until hot.
Add chicken; sauté for 7 minutes or until done. Set aside.
Arrange 1 lettuce leaf, 2 pieces of tomato, and 2 pieces of bell pepper down the center of each pita bread round, and top each with 2 oz (57 g) of chicken.
Drizzle 2 tbsp of dressing over each sandwich, and roll up.
Yield: 6 servings

Variations

Use tzatziki sauce instead of ranch dressing for a more traditional Greek flavor.
Add feta cheese crumbles for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

- Use a nonstick skillet to sauté the chicken for a healthier option.

- Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite vegetables or toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Greek Chicken Sandwiches with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken strips in a nonstick skillet for a healthier cooking option.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat pita bread for a higher fiber option.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for ranch dressing for a lighter alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken strips ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Greek Chicken Sandwiches on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Greek Chicken Sandwiches with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Greek Chicken Sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Greek Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Greek Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Greek Chicken Sandwiches are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy in the form of pita bread and ranch dressing.

Summary

Greek Chicken Sandwiches are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Greek Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and nutritious meal option that is easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With a balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen in the heart of Greece. Maria was an incredible cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

On this particular day, Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, before leading me to the kitchen where the scent of herbs and spices filled the air. As we chatted and caught up on life, Maria began to prepare a delicious meal for us to enjoy. She called it Greek Chicken Sandwiches, and I was immediately intrigued.

Maria began by marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a blend of other Mediterranean spices. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the chicken cooked on the grill, Maria showed me how to make the tzatziki sauce that would accompany the sandwiches. She grated cucumber and mixed it with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice. The sauce was tangy and creamy, the perfect complement to the flavorful chicken.

Once the chicken was cooked to perfection, Maria assembled the sandwiches. She placed a generous portion of the chicken on a warm pita bread, topped it with fresh tomatoes, red onions, and a dollop of the homemade tzatziki sauce. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender chicken, the tangy sauce, the crunch of the vegetables - it was a taste of Greece in every bite.

I savored every mouthful of that meal, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, along with some tips and tricks for perfecting it. I made a mental note of every step and ingredient, determined to recreate the magic of those Greek Chicken Sandwiches in my own kitchen.

When I returned home from my trip, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work. I marinated the chicken just as Maria had shown me, letting it soak up all the flavors for hours before grilling it to juicy perfection. I whipped up a batch of tzatziki sauce, tasting and adjusting until it was just right.

As I assembled the sandwiches, I couldn't help but think of Maria and our time together in her kitchen. The memories of that day fueled my passion for cooking, and I poured all of that love and gratitude into each sandwich I made.

When I finally took a bite of my homemade Greek Chicken Sandwich, I closed my eyes and savored the familiar flavors that took me back to Greece. The juicy chicken, the tangy sauce, the fresh vegetables - it was like I had brought a piece of Maria's kitchen into my own home.

From that day on, Greek Chicken Sandwiches became a staple in my recipe collection. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and quiet dinners at home. Each time I cooked them, I felt a connection to Maria and the culinary traditions that she had passed down to me.

Years have passed since that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, but the memory of those Greek Chicken Sandwiches remains as vivid as ever. They are more than just a recipe to me - they are a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Maria and to carry on the tradition of making Greek Chicken Sandwiches. As I continue to share this recipe with others, I hope to pass on not just the flavors of Greece, but the love and warmth that went into creating them. And perhaps, one day, my own grandchildren will cherish the memory of learning to make this dish from their grandmother, just as I cherish the memory of learning from Maria.