- July 1, 2025
- 30 Minute Meals
Grilled Chicken Pita Recipe
This grilled chicken pita recipe features juicy lemon garlic oregano-marinated chicken grilled to perfection and tucked into warm pitas with crisp onions, tomatoes, and creamy tzatziki sauce. They’re a fresh, easy, and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal ideal for weeknight dinners or summer grilling.
This grilled chicken pita recipe features juicy lemon garlic oregano-marinated chicken grilled to perfection and tucked into warm pitas with crisp onions, tomatoes, and creamy tzatziki sauce. They’re a fresh, easy, and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal ideal for weeknight dinners or summer grilling.
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal packed with fresh tasting, bold Mediterranean flavors, you’ll love this grilled chicken pita recipe. Juicy grilled chicken, warm pita bread, crisp veggies, and tzatziki sauce come together for a handheld pita sandwich that’s satisfying, healthy, and fun to assemble. Let’s dive into how to make these Greek chicken pitas for your next weeknight dinner.
What Are Grilled Chicken Pitas?
Grilled chicken pitas are a Greek and Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender grilled chicken, often marinated with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and spices, then tucked into warm pita bread. You can fill your chicken pita pockets with crisp veggies like red onion, fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and creamy sauces like tzatziki or a yogurt sauce. These pitas are perfect for outdoor grill season or a quick meal made on your indoor grill or grill pan.
They’re one of our favorite things to make during summer because they bring the best flavor with simple ingredients in a fun, interactive meal you can customize for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Pita Recipe
- Easy Recipe: Uses pantry-friendly, simple ingredients with time-saving tips for busy nights.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Juicy grilled chicken with lemon zest and herbs, paired with crunchy veggies for a fresh tasting bite.
- Versatile: Works as a pita sandwich, salad topper, or can be paired with french fries, pita chips, or a Greek salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Chicken Pitas
Here’s what you need for your grilled chicken pita recipe:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied for quicker cooking and thinner skin.
- Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest for brightness.
- Garlic powder, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley for layers of flavor.
For Serving:
- Pita bread or warm pita bread.
- Fresh toppings: red onion, cherry tomatoes, fresh cucumber, English cucumber, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and optional feta cheese.
- Tzatziki sauce or a quick yogurt sauce using plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Optional: lemon wedges and herbs for garnish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Pitas (Step-by-Step)
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and parsley. Add sliced chicken breasts to a bag or bowl, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge for the best flavor.
- Preheat and Grill:
Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly coat it with vegetable oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and you have grill marks.
- Rest and Slice:
Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. This helps keep the juices inside for juicy grilled chicken.
- Warm the Pitas:
Place your warm pitas or pita bread on the grill for 3-4 minutes or until lightly charred and flexible.
- Assemble the Pitas:
Fill each pita with grilled chicken, red onion, tomato wedges, cucumbers, olives, and optional feta cheese. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce or yogurt sauce. - Serve:
Enjoy immediately, optionally with French fries, a Greek salad, or extra lemon wedges.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Grilled Chicken
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor, ideally overnight if possible.
- Use metal skewers for easy flipping if making chicken skewers.
- If using a sheet pan indoors, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes for an easy alternative.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist.
- Cook over medium heat if using a grill pan to avoid burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with grilled chicken pitas? Try:
- A bright Greek salad with feta and kalamata olives.
- Crispy french fries or air fryer pita chips on the side.
- A small bowl of creamy avocado dip or hummus.
- Roasted duck fat potatoes for a hearty addition.
- Homemade smoked baba ganoush or muhummara dip
These options turn your pitas into a complete meal, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storing: Place leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Reheat warm pita bread separately to maintain softness.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store toppings separately to keep everything fresh.
More Recipes To Try
Grilled Chicken Pita Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast butterflied
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (about 1 lemon)
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parlsey minced
- 2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
For Serving:
- 4 Pita Breads
- 1/2 medium White Onion thinly sliced
- 2 medium Tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Add the butterflied chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours for best flavor.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium direct heat (375-400°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks form.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Warm the Pitas: Place the pita breads on the grill for 30-60 seconds per side until warmed and lightly charred.
- Assemble the Pitas: Fill each warm pita with sliced grilled chicken, thinly sliced onions, and tomato wedges. Top generously with tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your homemade grilled chicken pitas while warm.