Isn’t it wonderful when a meal comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Thatโs exactly what you get with these Greek Chicken Pita Wraps. Theyโre my go-to on those busy weeknights when the kids are hungry, practice is in an hour, and I need something on the table that feels like a treat, not a chore. This recipe is a hug from my grandmaโs kitchen, updated with bright, sunny Mediterranean vibes. Itโs all about combining a simple, herbaceous chicken with crisp veggies and a creamy yogurt sauce, all bundled up in a soft pita. A seriously happy meal.
Top Reasons To Make It
- Weeknight Hero: From fridge to table in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner idea for your busiest days.
- Kid-Approved Flavor: The marinade is flavorful but not too โweirdโ for picky eaters. My three are the toughest critics, and this one gets a unanimous thumbs-up.
- Healthy & Balanced: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, itโs a healthy dinner recipe that actually satisfies.
- Incredibly Versatile: Use fresh chicken breast or grab a rotisserie chicken to make it even faster. Itโs one of the most flexible shredded chicken recipes in my arsenal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can make the components ahead for easy lunches or dinners all week long.
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean, versatile base for our juicy filling.
- โ cup olive oil: Helps create a rich marinade and prevents sticking.
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about ยผ cup): Adds the essential bright, tangy punch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that foundational savory depth.
- 1 tbsp dried oregano: The classic Greek herb that makes it smell like heaven.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors to life.
- 6-8 pita breads or flatbreads: Your soft, pliable vessel for all the goodness.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The cool, creamy base for our simple sauce.
- ยฝ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry: Adds a refreshing crunch to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped: Lifts the sauce with a light, herbal note.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: For a burst of sweetness.
- 1 medium cucumber, diced: Adds a fresh, crisp texture.
- ยฝ red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp, crunchy bite.
- โ cup kalamata olives, pitted: Brings a salty, briny contrast. So good.
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl or large zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ยฝ teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken breasts, turning to coat them thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the fridge if you have the time.
- While the chicken marinates, make the quick tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate until youโre ready to serve.
- Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF and the juices run clear. The smell will be incredible, I promise.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is key for juicy meat! Then, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm your pita breads briefly in a dry skillet, the microwave for 15 seconds, or the oven. This makes them soft and pliable so they donโt tear when you fold them.
- Time to assemble! Spread a generous spoonful of the tzatziki sauce down the center of each pita. Top with a handful of the shredded Greek chicken, then pile on the diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olives.
- Fold the bottom of the pita up, then fold the sides over the filling to create a neat wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy the mess!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These wraps are a full meal on their own, but if youโre feeding a crowd or want to round things out, a few simple sides are fantastic. A classic Greek salad with plenty of feta cheese (or a vegan alternative) is a natural partner. For something warm, crispy oven-baked lemon potato wedges are always a hit. And if youโre keeping it super light, a simple cup of tomato basil soup works beautifully. Honestly, a big bag of good quality potato chips never hurt anybody, either.
Variations & Substitutions
- Shortcut Chicken: For the ultimate in easy meals, use 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Just warm it in a skillet with the marinade ingredients for a few minutes until heated through.
- Different Protein: This marinade is fantastic on shrimp or even firm tofu cubes for a plant-based version.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the tzatziki if your crew likes a little heat.
- Wrap Alternatives: No pitas? Large flour tortillas, lettuce cups, or even stuffing everything into a pita pocket all work great.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt for the sauce.
Make-Ahead & Freezer
You can be a real weeknight hero by prepping components ahead. The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The tzatziki sauce tastes even better when made a day in advance. The chopped veggies can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days. To freeze, place the cooled, shredded cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover assembled wraps tightly wrapped in the fridgeโtheyโre best eaten within a day before the pita gets soggy. I recommend storing the components separately for best results. The chicken, sauce, and veggies will keep well in airtight containers for 3-4 days. To reheat the chicken, the best method is in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts until warm. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165ยฐF.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and stay so, so tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook a bit faster.
- Whatโs the best way to warm pita so it doesnโt crack? A quick 30-60 seconds in a warm, dry skillet is my favorite method. It makes them soft and pliable. The microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to overdo it or they can get tough.
- Are these healthy chicken recipes? Yes! Theyโre a great source of lean protein and packed with fresh vegetables, making them a balanced and healthy dinner idea.
- How can I make this a quick dinner idea? Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut. You can have these on the table in under 10 minutes.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Easily! Just use your favorite gluten-free pita or flatbread alternative, or serve the filling over a bed of greens for a hearty salad.


