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15-Minute Chicken Pita Wraps


  • Author: Bianca

Ingredients

Scale

Here is the simple, yet powerful, list of ingredients you’ll need to create this incredibly fast and flavorful meal. Each component is chosen for its ability to deliver maximum taste in minimum time.

  • For the Chicken:
    • 1 lb (about 450g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean, versatile base of our wrap. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook in minutes.
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken, it adds a touch of fruity richness and prevents sticking.
    • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: This essential Mediterranean herb provides a peppery, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor.
    • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Offers a savory, garlicky punch without the time-consuming task of mincing fresh cloves.
    • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken and a subtle, sweet-smoky flavor.
    • Salt and Black Pepper to taste: The fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
  • For the Creamy Yogurt Sauce:
    • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt: The star of the sauce. Its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor are the perfect cool counterpoint to the warm chicken.
    • 1/4 cup Cucumber, finely diced or grated: Adds a crucial element of freshness, moisture, and a light crunch.
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best! It brings a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the yogurt.
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried): Provides a unique, slightly anise-like freshness that is classic in Mediterranean sauces.
    • A pinch of Salt: To bring all the sauce flavors together.
  • For Assembly:
    • 46 Large Pita Breads: The vessel for our delicious filling. Choose soft, pliable pitas for the best wrapping experience.
    • 1 cup Romaine Lettuce, shredded: For that essential fresh, crisp texture.
    • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved: These add a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
    • 1/4 Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional): For those who enjoy a sharp, pungent bite that complements the other ingredients.

Instructions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to bring your 15-Minute Chicken Pita Wraps to life. The key to speed is to work efficiently, preparing the sauce while the pan heats up.

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Yogurt Sauce

The first step is to create the cool, refreshing sauce that will elevate your wraps from good to great. In a small or medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of finely diced cucumber, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill. Mix everything together until it’s well-incorporated. Add a small pinch of salt, stir again, and give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary—you might prefer a little more lemon for brightness or a bit more salt to make the flavors pop. Once you’re happy with it, set the sauce aside. Making the sauce first allows the flavors to meld together while you cook the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and place them in a separate bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper over the chicken. Use a spoon or your hands to toss the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated in the oil and spices. This quick “marinade” ensures that every single bite of chicken is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get properly hot before adding the chicken; this is crucial for getting a nice sear rather than just steaming the meat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent browning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring or flipping the pieces occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). To check for doneness without a thermometer, you can cut into one of the larger pieces to ensure there is no pink remaining.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas

While the chicken is finishing its last minute of cooking, it’s the perfect time to warm your pita breads. Warming them makes them softer, more pliable, and much easier to fold without cracking. You can do this in a few ways:

  • Microwave: Wrap the stack of pitas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Oven/Toaster Oven: Wrap the pitas in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
  • Dry Skillet: Place them one at a time in a dry, non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Now for the fun part! Lay a warm pita bread on a plate or cutting board. Spread a generous layer of the creamy yogurt sauce down the center. Next, add a hearty portion of the cooked chicken. Top the chicken with a handful of shredded romaine lettuce, some halved cherry tomatoes, and a few slices of red onion if you’re using it.

Step 6: Fold and Serve

To fold, simply bring one side of the pita over the filling, then fold the other side over it, creating a secure wrap. Alternatively, you can fold the bottom of the pita up first and then fold the sides over, creating a pocket to prevent any filling from escaping. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors you created in just 15 minutes!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 550