Chicken Pita Picnic

Chicken pita is the best picnic dish, all the yummy ingredients fit in a little pocket. Here is the yummy recipe for this seasoned chicken and veggies.

The Ultimate Riviera Chicken Pita

Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
• ½ English cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
• 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For Assembly

• 4 fresh, high-quality pita breads (warmed)
• 1 head Romaine lettuce (washed and torn)
• 2 ripe tomatoes (sliced)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cucumber (sliced into rounds)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, and a side of green olives.

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken breasts in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

2. Whip up the Tzatziki

While the chicken marinates, grate your half cucumber. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. In a medium bowl, mix the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, grated garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt, cover, and chill in the fridge.

3. Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and you have beautiful char marks. Transfer to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.

4. Assemble Your Pita

• Warm the pita: Give your pita bread a quick 30-second toast on the grill or in a hot pan so it’s soft and pliable.
• The base: Open up the pita pocket (or use it as a wrap) and layer a generous handful of crisp Romaine lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber rounds, and slivers of red onion.
• The star: Stuff a hearty portion of the warm, grilled chicken inside.

Super yummy picnic pita