Chicken Pita

Soul satisfying herbed chicken, with wonderful cooling tzatziki all wrapped up in a pita bread. A delicious street food/gyro snackbar item that is totally attainable at home. The best part is that it's not unhealthy either! We'll outline a few simple techniques to really make this stand up to your favorite restaurant versions.

Ingredients (1 pita sandwich)

1 Chicken Breast or Chicken Breast Tenders

1/2 cup tzatziki: Recipe

1 Medium Tomato (beefsteak or hothouse, not roma, or cherry)

1/2 medium sized Onion or Red Onion

1 Pita Bread (open is preferred, but pocket pitas can work as well (see pictures)

Olive Oil

Dried Oregano

Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Prep

• The key to a great tasting chicken pita is to blacken or sear the chicken and make sure each bite delivers that punch. This can be achieved by either pounding out or butterflying the chicken breast to 1/2 inch thickness, and dry-rub or marinating ahead of time.

• Grilling the chicken over fire is best, but searing on a skillet or broiling is acceptable.

• Moving quickly will ensure a hot , juicy experience. This means having all of your ingredients prepared and ready for sandwich assembly.

• The Pita bread can be prepared on the grill or on a skillet, but be careful not to over-toast is. Rub with olive oil, cook on the fire for 1 minute, 2 mins on the skillet, on each side, then immediately cover (to create steam)

• Keep the Tzatziki cool

• Slice the tomatoes into thin half moons, 1/8 inch thick

• Slice the onions as thin as possible, salt them and set aside (can add parsley as well). The onions can be soaked in red wine vinegar and water to take away some bite and add sweetness.

• Believe it or not, wrapping the sandwich in wax paper can make a difference, keeping it warm and steamy!

Steps

• Have tomatoes, onions, tzatziki prepped

• Lightly Oil your pita bread (olive oil)

• Grill or sear the chicken breasts - depending on thickness- 6-10mins total.

• Allow the chicken breast to rest for 3-5 minutes (covered)- which is a good time to start the pita bread

• Toast the pita bread on the grill, 1-2 mins on each side, make sure it's not toasted where it can't be folded. Alternatively, toast in a pan, 2 mins on each side. Immediately cover in towels to keep warm and steam.

• Slice/Chop the chicken into 1/2 inc cubes or strips.

Assembly

• Add a table-spoonful of tzatziki to the center of the pita, and spread length-wise (pick a side :) )

• Add 1/2 of the chicken breast

• Add a few tomato slices, onions and then another dollop of tzatziki. Toss a pinch of dried oregano on top the toppings..

• Wrap in paper, or eat immediately :)

Accompaniments:

• Fries, and even fries in the sandwich! https://www.lemonpantry.com/post/homemade-french-fries