Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with these delectable grilled chicken pita sandwiches. Marinated in a symphony of aromatic spices, the tender chicken is grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky, succulent flavor that will leave you craving more. Nestled within soft and fluffy pita bread, the chicken is complemented by an array of vibrant toppings, including crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and tangy pickled turnips. A drizzle of creamy and tangy yogurt mint sauce adds a burst of freshness, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice provide the perfect finishing touch. Prepare to be swept away by the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this authentic Middle Eastern dish. In addition to the main recipe, this article also offers variations using lamb, beef, and vegetables, ensuring that every taste preference is catered to. Embark on this culinary adventure and discover the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
GRILLED CHICKEN PITA WITH YOGURT SAUCE AND ARUGULA
You might need a few common ingredients from the grocery store - chicken breast, cucumbers, yogurt, herbs - to make this satisfying pita sandwich, but it's not at all difficult to put together. It's a year-round favorite. If you're in the mood to bake, try making your own pita bread.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories lunch, sandwiches, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and rub with a little olive oil. Bring to room temperature.
- Place a cast-iron pan or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, add chicken breasts, lower heat to medium and cook gently for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until firm to the touch. (To keep meat moist, do not overcook.) Set aside to rest and cool to room temperature, then slice crosswise at a diagonal.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together yogurt, olives, cucumber, mint, parsley, garlic, oregano, sumac and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt to taste.
- Heat pita breads in toaster oven or a dry skillet over medium-high. Cut each pita in half to make half-moon pockets. Fill each pocket with chicken, yogurt sauce and arugula. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
SHAWARMA-SPICED CHICKEN PITA WITH TAHINI-YOGURT SAUCE
Traditional shawarma calls for roasting meat on a large vertical spit. We mimic the effect here by roasting at a high temperature, which yields chicken that is crisp on the outside yet moist and juicy on the inside.
Provided by Rhoda Boone
Categories 22-Minute Meals Dinner Chicken Yogurt Cucumber Tomato Roast Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, 2 Tbsp. oil, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 12-15 minutes; wrap pitas in foil and warm in oven during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Meanwhile, mix yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon zest, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl until incorporated. Fold in 2 Tbsp. dill and 2 Tbsp. mint.
- Toss cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, remaining 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in another medium bowl.
- Thinly slice chicken. Place 1 warmed pita on each plate and top evenly with chicken and tomato-cucumber salad. Drizzle each pita with 2 Tbsp. tahini-yogurt sauce; top with dill and mint. Serve remaining tahini-yogurt sauce alongside.
- Do Ahead
- Tahini-yogurt sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLED CHICKEN PITA SANDWICHES WITH YOGURT MINT SAUCE
Steps:
- Make the marinade:
- In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, the lemon juice, the garlic paste, the thyme, and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the chicken, pricked in several places with a fork, in one layer in a large shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and let the chicken marinate, covered and chilled, turning it once, for at least 3 hours or, preferably overnight
- Make the sauce:
- In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, the garlic paste, the lemon juice, the parsley, the mint, and salt and pepper to taste.
- On an oiled grill set about 6 inches over glowing coals or in an oiled ridged grill pan set over moderately high eat grill the chicken (discard the marinade) turning it, for 12 to 15 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, in a skillet cook the onion in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until it is softened and lightly golden. Remove the skillet from the heat, add the tomato and the sesame seeds, and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut it diagonally into thin slices. Cut off a small piece of each pita loaf to form an opening and heat the pita loaves on the grill, turning them once, for several seconds, or until they are just softened. Divide the chicken, the onion mixture, and the sauce among the pita loaves.
GREEK GRILLED CHICKEN PITAS
I switched up my mom's recipe to create this tasty pita pocket variation. It's delicious and perfect for warm days, with a creamy cucumber sauce that goes great with fresh, crunchy veggies. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Marinate chicken in vinaigrette, covered, in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients; chill until serving., Drain and discard marinade. If grilling the chicken, lightly oil the grill rack. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat until a thermometer reads 170°, 4-7 minutes on each side., Cut chicken into strips. Fill each pita half with chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, onion and cheese; drizzle with sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Fat 14g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 801mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your dish. Choose fresh, flavorful chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs will help it stay moist and flavorful during grilling.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat: This will help prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Make the yogurt mint sauce ahead of time: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Assemble the sandwiches just before serving: This will help keep the pita bread from getting soggy.
Conclusion:
Middle Eastern grilled chicken pita sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a summer cookout or picnic. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful yogurt-based marinade and then grilled to perfection. The sandwiches are then assembled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy yogurt mint sauce. These sandwiches are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
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