Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets

Name: Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 whole wheat pita bread; 1 cup lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce or hummus (optional)

Highlighted under: Ready-to-Go Meals

I absolutely love making these Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of tender, marinated chicken and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita is simply irresistible. It’s an easy recipe that I can whip up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, I enjoy customizing them with different sauces and toppings to keep things exciting. Trust me, once you try these pockets, they’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation!

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:02:36.236Z

One of my favorite kitchen memories is experimenting with different marinades for grilled chicken. I’ve discovered that a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs creates a fantastic flavor profile that gets infused as the chicken cooks. The trick is letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes, so the flavors really develop.

When I serve these pita pockets, I love to include a variety of fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, and I often add a dollop of tzatziki or hummus for an extra kick. It’s all about balancing the grilled chicken with crisp veggies for a satisfying meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection
Versatile and customizable with your favorite toppings
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days

Key Techniques for Perfectly Grilled Chicken

To achieve perfectly grilled chicken, an even marinade is essential. Ensure the ingredients are well blended, allowing the chicken to absorb flavors uniformly. A good trick is to use a resealable plastic bag; this not only coats the meat thoroughly but also minimizes cleanup. Aim for a marination time of at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor penetration, letting it sit for a couple of hours or even overnight in the fridge is ideal.

When grilling, preheating your grill is crucial. Medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F) is perfect for cooking the chicken through without burning the exterior. Keep an eye out for grill marks and a golden brown color. If the chicken begins to blacken too quickly, lower the heat to prevent charring while ensuring the inside remains juicy.

Also, consider using a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This technique not only guarantees safety but also helps avoid overcooking, which can lead to a dry texture. Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.

Customizing Your Pita Pockets

One of the delightful aspects of Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets is their versatility. Feel free to swap out the tzatziki or hummus for your favorite sauces. A spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy Greek yogurt dressing could elevate your pockets significantly. For those avoiding dairy, consider a vegan aioli or a tahini-based sauce. These options can add diverse flavor profiles to suit your palate.

To enhance the crunch factor, consider grilling or roasting some veggies alongside the chicken. Bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini are excellent additions that caramelize beautifully, bringing both flavor and texture. Additionally, adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or olives can transport your pita pockets to a Mediterranean taste adventure, offering a creative twist that makes each bite exciting.

Don’t forget about herbs! Fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint can be tossed in with the salad mix for an added burst of freshness. This not only improves flavor but also adds texture to the dish. Experimenting with the toppings keeps every meal unique and interesting, preventing flavor fatigue.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create delicious Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets:

For the Grilled Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

4 whole wheat pita bread
1 cup lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce or hummus (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready for an effortless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Pita Pockets

Cut the pita bread in half to create pockets. Fill each pocket with sliced grilled chicken, followed by chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add a spoonful of tzatziki sauce or hummus if desired.

These pita pockets are ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or sauces based on your preference. If you want a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the pockets.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets can easily be prepared in advance, making them an ideal option for meal prep. Marinate the chicken and grill it a day ahead. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to assemble your pockets, simply reheat the chicken on the grill or stovetop until warmed through, which takes just a few minutes.

If you have leftover pita pockets, store them wrapped in foil at room temperature for a day or two, but it’s best to consume them fresh. To keep them longer, freeze the grilled chicken in portions. When needed, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. This ensures you have a quick, nutritious meal option ready without any hassle.

For a quicker meal, consider pre-chopping your veggies. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This way, when mealtime arrives, assembly is as simple as filling the pitas. Fresh ingredients can add a crunch and flavor that enlivens your dish, and prepped veggies can enhance variety throughout the week.

Scaling the Recipe

If you’re hosting a gathering or simply want leftovers, scaling the recipe is straightforward. For larger crowds, just increase the number of chicken breasts and correspondingly adjust your marinade quantities. This way, you maintain the flavor balance while preparing more servings. Cooking the chicken in batches is recommended if your grill doesn’t accommodate more than a few pieces at a time; just remember to keep the grilled chicken warm in a 200°F oven.

Pita sizes can vary, and if you have smaller or larger ones, adjust the quantity of filling accordingly. Smaller pitas could hold less chicken and veggies, requiring a careful balance of fillings. On the other hand, larger pitas may need more chicken and veggies to fill them effectively, creating a satisfying meal for everyone.

If you're using this recipe for a BBQ or picnic, think about serving the grilled chicken separately in a platter along with the pita pockets and toppings. This creates a fun, interactive assembly line, allowing guests to customize their pitas exactly how they like, while also keeping things organized and appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey or lean beef.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

→ What sides go well with these pita pockets?

Serve them with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing yogurt dip.