If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, fresh textures, and a touch of sunshine from the Mediterranean coast, the Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe is your new go-to. This dish brings together juicy, seasoned ground chicken paired with a crisp cucumber tomato salad, creamy tzatziki, and salty feta all tucked inside warm, fluffy pita bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend lunch, these pitas are an absolute delight that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe truly shine is its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes a unique element—whether it’s the tender chicken filling, the zesty pop of the fresh herbs, or the cooling cucumber salad—to create a balanced and colorful meal.
- Lean ground chicken (1½ pounds): The star protein that stays juicy and flavorful.
- Red onion (¾ diced + ¼ diced): Adds a mild sweetness and crunch to both the chicken and salad.
- Greek seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the meat with traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices for that punch of flavor.
- Italian parsley (¼ cup chopped + 2 tablespoons chopped): Fresh herbs brighten up the chicken and salad with a grassy note.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds essential acidity to balance richness.
- Grape tomatoes (1 cup, quartered): Juicy and sweet, these bring vibrant color and freshness to the salad.
- Diced cucumber (1 cup): Offers a refreshing crunch that cools the palate.
- Red wine vinegar (2 teaspoons): Delivers tang that livens up the salad dressing.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): For just the right silky texture in the salad.
- Salt & ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon each, or to taste): Essential seasonings to tie all flavors together.
- Pita bread rounds (6): Soft, warm pockets perfect for holding all the goodies.
- Tzatziki (½ cup): Creamy and cooling, this sauce adds a dreamy layer to every bite.
- Curly lettuce (2 cups, chopped): Adds volume and fresh greenery.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Salty and creamy—an indispensable Mediterranean hallmark.
- Kalamata olives (¼ cup, sliced): Brings a briny sharpness that balances the dish.
How to Make Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mediterranean Ground Chicken
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground chicken along with the diced red onion and Greek seasoning. As it cooks, use a spatula or spoon to break the meat into small, even pieces so it cooks thoroughly and absorbs all the spices. After about 5 to 7 minutes, your chicken should lose its pink color and look perfectly cooked. Once done, drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess. Stir in fresh parsley and tangy lemon juice to brighten the flavors and set this fragrant filling aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cucumber Tomato Salad
While the chicken cooks, throw together the crisp cucumber tomato salad. In a medium bowl, combine grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, a bit of red onion, and chopped parsley, creating a colorful and refreshing medley. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top, toss gently to coat everything evenly, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad lends a juicy crunch that lightens the entire pita.
Step 3: Assemble the Pitas
Cut each pita bread round in half, making perfect little pockets. Spread a generous smear of creamy tzatziki inside each half—this sauce elevates the sandwich with its cool, garlicky note. Layer in the warm Mediterranean ground chicken first, followed by crisp shredded lettuce and a spoonful of the cucumber tomato salad. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives for that authentic Mediterranean finish. Now your pitas are fully loaded and ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pitas look as good as they taste, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over the top or add a few extra dollops of tzatziki. A wedge of lemon on the side invites an optional squeeze of brightness. These little touches make every bite feel special and fresh.
Side Dishes
Pairing these pitas with light sides like a simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables complements their fresh flavors beautifully. A cooling cucumber yogurt dip or even some warm, crispy fries can balance the filling, making it a completely satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe as a DIY platter. Lay out all the components—pita halves, chicken, salads, cheeses, and condiments—allowing everyone to customize their own pita creations. This is perfect for casual gatherings and adds an interactive element to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas, keep the chicken, salad, and other fillings stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This prevents the pita bread from becoming soggy and keeps all the flavors fresh.
Freezing
The cooked ground chicken freezes really well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. We don’t recommend freezing the assembled pitas, as the bread and salad components won’t hold up well.
Reheating
Reheat the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Keep the pita bread and fresh salad cold and assemble your pitas fresh for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lean alternative and will absorb the Mediterranean seasonings just as well, keeping this pita recipe flavorful and moist.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground chicken with cooked chickpeas or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The cucumber tomato salad, tzatziki, and feta will still provide plenty of flavor and texture.
Can I make the cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
Definitely. The salad can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, ensuring it stays fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have Greek seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can create a simple mix with dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme to get a similar flavor profile at home. This keeps your Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas bursting with traditional tastes.
How do I keep the pita bread from getting soggy?
The trick is to keep all the wet components like the salad and tzatziki separate from the pita bread until just before assembling and serving. Toasting the pita lightly can also help create a barrier and add a delicious crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that tastes like a breeze of Mediterranean sunshine, and this Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe absolutely delivers. The balance of warm, savory chicken with crisp salad and creamy sauces tucked inside soft pita bread makes for an unforgettable, easy-to-make dinner. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s bound to become one of your favorite wraps in no time!
Print
Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas recipe features lean ground chicken cooked with Greek seasoning and fresh onions, combined with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. Served in warm pita bread rounds and topped with creamy tzatziki, crunchy lettuce, tangy feta cheese, and briny kalamata olives, it’s a vibrant and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick, healthy Mediterranean-inspired lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Ground Chicken
- 1½ pounds lean ground chicken
- ¾ red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped
For the Cucumber Tomato Salad
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
For Assembly
- 6 pita bread rounds
- ½ cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 cups curly lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Mediterranean Ground Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground chicken along with diced red onion and Greek seasoning. Use a spatula or spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain and Season the Chicken: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped Italian parsley. Set the cooked chicken mixture aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Cucumber Tomato Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the quartered grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the mixture and gently toss to combine. Season the salad with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Cut the Pita Bread: Slice each pita bread round in half to create pockets for the fillings.
- Assemble the Pitas: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce inside each pita half. Next, fill with a portion of the Mediterranean ground chicken, followed by a handful of chopped curly lettuce and the prepared cucumber tomato salad.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Top each pita with crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh Greek seasoning or a blend of dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme if unavailable.
- Pita bread can be warmed in a toaster or oven for a softer texture before assembling.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the salad and chicken filling according to your taste.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice over the assembled pita for added brightness.
