Best 2 Grilled Chicken And Pitas Recipes

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**Grilled Chicken and Pitas: A Flavorful and Versatile Meal**

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, look no further than grilled chicken and pitas. This classic combination is a favorite for a reason – it's simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. In this article, we'll share two mouthwatering recipes for grilled chicken and pitas, along with a variety of topping and sauce options to create your perfect meal.

Our first recipe features a tantalizing marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat that pairs wonderfully with warm, fluffy pitas. Our second recipe takes a more Mediterranean approach, with a marinade of yogurt, olive oil, and spices. The chicken is grilled until slightly charred, giving it a smoky flavor that complements the fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce.

Both recipes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking. Choose from a variety of toppings, such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado. Experiment with different sauces, from classic hummus to spicy harissa or cool tzatziki. And don't forget the pita bread – you can use traditional white pitas, whole wheat pitas, or even flavored pitas like garlic or herb.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GRILLED CHICKEN AND PITAS



Grilled Chicken and Pitas image

Categories     Sandwich     Chicken     Summer     Grill/Barbecue     Gourmet

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
16 (4-inch) pitas with pockets
3 lb boneless chicken breasts

Steps:

  • Prepare grill for cooking.
  • Lightly oil pitas on both sides and season with salt and pepper. Grill pitas, in batches if necessary, on an oiled rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to cooling racks.
  • Pat chicken dry and brush with remaining oil. Season with salt and pepper and grill until just cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes. Cut into slices.
  • Fill pitas with chicken, and if desired, salads from rest of menu.

GRILLED CHICKEN, SPINACH, AND PEAR PITAS



GRILLED CHICKEN, SPINACH, AND PEAR PITAS image

Categories     Sandwich     Chicken

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ouncesskinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
3 whole wheat pita bread rounds, halved crosswise
1/4 cuplight mayonnaise
1 ouncesoft goat cheese (chèvre)
1 tablespoonfat-free milk
1 teaspoonbalsamic vinegar
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1-1/2 cupsfresh spinach leaves
1 smallpear or apple, cored and thinly sliced

Steps:

  • 1. Brush chicken on both sides with some of the 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; set aside. For a charcoal grill, place chicken on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F), turning once and brushing with the remainder of the 1 tablespoon vinegar halfway through grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place chicken on the grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.) Cut each chicken breast half into 1/2-inch-thick slices. 2. Meanwhile, wrap pita bread rounds in foil. Place on the grill rack directly over medium coals. Grill about 8 minutes or until bread is warm, turning once halfway through grilling. 3. For sauce: In a small bowl, use a fork to stir together mayonnaise, goat cheese, milk, and the 1 teaspoon vinegar. Stir in green onion. 4. To assemble, arrange spinach, pear slices, and chicken in pita bread halves. Spoon about 1 tablespoon sauce into each pita. Broiling directions: Preheat broiler. Brush chicken with vinegar as directed. Preheat broiler. Place chicken breast halves on the ungreased rack of a broiler pan. Broil chicken 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F), turning once and brushing with the remainder of the 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar halfway through broiling. Heat pitas according to package directions. Continue as directed.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
  • Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Serve the chicken with your favorite toppings, such as tzatziki sauce, hummus, or pita bread.

Conclusion:

Grilled chicken and pitas is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a summer cookout or a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The pitas are warmed and filled with the chicken, along with your favorite toppings. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vegetables, and it is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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