Best 4 Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Pita Sandwiches With Yogurt Mint Sauce Recipes

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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



Grilled Chicken Pita With Yogurt Sauce and Arugula image

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

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
Salt and pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped green and black olives
1/2 cup chopped cucumbers, from 2 small Persian cucumbers
1 tablespoon chopped mint
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 garlic clove, grated or very finely minced
Pinch of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sumac (or a little grated lemon zest)
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
4 whole-wheat pita breads
A large handful of arugula, watercress or other salad greens

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



Shawarma-Spiced Chicken Pita with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce image

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

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
4 pitas
1 cup full-fat or low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon tahini
1/4 teaspoon grated garlic
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped dill, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped mint, plus more for serving
1/2 large English hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/4"-thick half-moons (about 1 cup)
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
3/4 cup small cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (about 5 ounces)
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

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



Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt Mint Sauce image

Categories     Sandwich     Chicken     Dairy     Herb     Poultry     Marinate     Yogurt     Summer     Gourmet

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

For the marinade
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with a pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
8 skinless boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)
For the sauce
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves, or to taste
1 small red onion, sliced thin
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tomato, minced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted lightly
6 whole-wheat pita loaves

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



Greek Grilled Chicken Pitas image

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

1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves
CUCUMBER SAUCE:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
PITAS:
8 pita pocket halves
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

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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