Mediterranean Greek Chicken Pita Pockets with Whipped Feta & Herbs
Mediterranean Greek Chicken Pita Pockets with Whipped Feta & Herbs are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender, lemon-oregano marinated chicken pairs beautifully with creamy whipped feta, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in warm pita bread. This dish balances savory, tangy, and slightly creamy flavors, creating a meal that’s both healthy and indulgent. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, these pita pockets are quick to assemble and visually appealing, making them a crowd-pleaser for family or friends.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–4 pita pockets (depending on size)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g), sliced thin
Olive oil: 2 Tbsp
Fresh lemon juice: 2 Tbsp
Dried oregano: 1 tsp
Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
For the Whipped Feta & Herb Spread
Crumbled feta cheese: 1/2 cup
Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup
Olive oil: 1 Tbsp
Fresh lemon juice: 1 Tbsp
Fresh parsley, chopped: 1 Tbsp
Fresh dill, chopped: 1 Tbsp
Salt & black pepper: to taste
For Assembly
Pita breads: 2–4, warmed
Cherry tomatoes: 1/2 cup, halved
Cucumber: 1/2 cup, diced
Red onion: 1/4 small, thinly sliced
Optional: Kalamata olives, sliced: 1/4 cup
Instructions
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate 5–10 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken slices for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
While chicken cooks, prepare the whipped feta spread: combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Warm the pita breads in a skillet or oven.
Spread a generous layer of whipped feta on each pita.
Layer cooked chicken slices over the spread.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion evenly over the chicken.
Top with optional sliced Kalamata olives if desired.
Fold or roll the pita to enclose the filling.
Serve immediately, optionally with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking and easy stacking.
Marinate chicken for at least 5 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
Use a non-stick skillet for perfect browning without sticking.
Whip feta with Greek yogurt for a lighter, creamier spread.
Warm pitas before assembling to prevent tearing.
Pat cherry tomatoes and cucumber dry to avoid soggy pockets.
Taste and adjust salt and lemon in the spread to balance flavor.
Fold pita carefully to avoid overstuffing.
Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between warm chicken and fresh vegetables.
Add extra herbs like mint or oregano for a stronger Mediterranean flavor.
Variations
Protein swap: Use grilled shrimp or lamb slices instead of chicken.
Vegan version: Use tofu or roasted vegetables with dairy-free feta.
Cheese swap: Substitute whipped ricotta for feta for a milder flavor.
Spicy kick: Add a few chili flakes or harissa to the whipped feta spread.
Extra crunch: Add shredded lettuce or radishes.
Mediterranean bowl: Skip pita and serve as a salad bowl with all components layered.
Meal prep friendly: Store chicken and whipped feta separately, assemble pita just before eating.
Grilled pitas: Grill pitas for smoky flavor and extra crispness.
Herb variation: Use cilantro or basil if parsley and dill aren’t available.
Sweet note: Add thin slices of roasted red peppers or a touch of honey in the spread for subtle sweetness.
Q & A
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw fully before slicing and marinating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita breads to make it gluten-free.
Can I prepare the whipped feta in advance?
Yes, store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Can I assemble ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble just before eating to avoid soggy pita.
What can I serve with these pita pockets?
A Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or tzatziki pairs well.
Can I use store-bought hummus instead of whipped feta?
Yes, though flavor will be different.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce or omit red onion and olives for milder taste.
Can I bake the pitas after assembling?
It’s optional but may slightly soften the vegetables.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, but adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.
Can these be frozen?
Pita pockets are best fresh; freezing may alter texture.
Nutrition (Approximate per pita pocket)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Greek Chicken Pita Pockets with Whipped Feta & Herbs are a fresh, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. Tender, lemony chicken, creamy whipped feta, and crisp vegetables come together to create a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Quick to assemble, full of protein and healthy fats, and visually appealing, these pita pockets are a simple way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors at home.