Name: Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1½ pound lean ground chicken; ¾ red onion (diced); 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning; ¼ cup Italian parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup grape tomatoes (quartered); 1 cup diced cucumber; ¼ red onion (diced); 2 tablespoons Italian parsley (chopped); 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 6 pita bread rounds (*See note); ½ cup tzatziki; 2 cups curly lettuce (chopped); 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup kalamata olives (sliced)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas—a vibrant, handheld meal packed with juicy seasoned chicken, zesty tomato-cucumber salad, creamy tzatziki, and all the flavors you crave from the Mediterranean. These pitas are the answer to busy nights when you want something fast yet incredibly fresh, and they bring together a delightful mix of textures, colors, and aromas that make every bite a mini vacation.

Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas starts with a handful of everyday ingredients that really shine together. Each one plays its part, contributing to an incredible balance of savoriness, freshness, and crunch. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Lean ground chicken: The star protein—light yet super satisfying, and soaks up all those Mediterranean spices beautifully.
Red onion (diced): Adds a pop of color and a subtle sharpness that keeps every bite lively.
Greek seasoning: This blend infuses the chicken with herby, savory goodness and signature Mediterranean spice notes.
Italian parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley gives the final dish herby brightness and a gorgeous green color.
Lemon juice: Brightens the chicken and salad, cutting through the richness with a pop of citrus.
Grape tomatoes (quartered): Sweet and juicy, they bring a burst of flavor to the salad.
Cucumber (diced): Crisp and cooling, it’s a refreshing counterpoint for the savory chicken.
Red onion (diced, for salad): Just a touch more onion for a hint of bite and layering of flavors.
Italian parsley (for salad): Echoes the herby notes in the chicken and adds extra green vibrancy.
Red wine vinegar: Lends a tangy hit to the salad, elevating every fresh ingredient.
Olive oil: Adds rich, silky texture to the salad and helps meld all the flavors together.
Salt: Enhances everything—taste as you go for just the right balance.
Ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a touch of heat without overpowering other flavors.
Pita bread rounds: The perfect vessel—soft, a little chewy, and perfect for holding all the fillings together.
Tzatziki: Creamy, garlicky, and cool, it ties everything together and adds a layer of richness.
Curly lettuce (chopped): Light crunch and freshness that makes every bite extra satisfying.
Feta cheese (crumbled): Salty, tangy, and oh-so-creamy, it’s the classic finishing touch.
Kalamata olives (sliced): Brings salty intensity and unmistakable Mediterranean flair.

How to Make Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas

Step 1: Cook the Mediterranean Ground Chicken

To start off, heat a large skillet over medium-high warmth and add the ground chicken, diced onion, and Greek seasoning. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the meat so it browns evenly. Cook for about five to seven minutes, just until the chicken is no longer pink and everything is beautifully fragrant. At this stage, your kitchen will already start smelling incredible—and you’ll see why Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas are so craveworthy!

Step 2: Add Flavor and Finish

Once your chicken mixture is fully cooked, drain off any extra liquid so nothing gets soggy. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley while the chicken is still warm. They’ll infuse the meat with even more brightness and herby flavor, making this the core of our Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas absolutely irresistible. Set aside as you prep the rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber Tomato Salad

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the quartered grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, additional red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Drizzle red wine vinegar and olive oil over the veggies, then toss everything together gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This ultra-fresh salad deserves its time to shine—it’s the crunchy, juicy part that takes Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas to a new level.

Step 4: Cut and Prep the Pitas

Take your soft pita bread rounds and use a sharp knife to cut each one in half, forming little pockets. This makes it easy to stuff them with all that deliciousness, without any ingredients falling out. If your pitas are a bit stiff, wrap them in a towel and microwave for a brief 10-15 seconds to make them pliable and ready to fill.

Step 5: Assemble Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas

This is the fun part! Spread a generous layer of tzatziki inside each pita half, so you get creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite. Next, spoon in a portion of the warm Mediterranean ground chicken mixture, followed by a handful of chopped curly lettuce and a generous scoop of your fresh cucumber tomato salad. Finally, top with tangy crumbled feta and a smattering of sliced Kalamata olives. Your Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas are ready to devour!

How to Serve Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas

Garnishes

Go wild with garnishes to make your Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas pop! Try extra parsley, a dusting of ground black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon over the top. A few extra olive slices or a sprinkle of za’atar can add even more Mediterranean flair.

Side Dishes

These pitas pair beautifully with sides like crisp sweet potato fries, classic hummus, or a tabbouleh salad for even more fresh goodness. For heartier appetites, a simple bowl of lentil soup or roasted vegetables makes the meal super satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Set up a Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas bar with toppings in small bowls so everyone can build their own. Or roll the pita halves in parchment paper for easy picnics and lunchboxes. Even cut them into thirds for an appetizer platter at your next party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extras (though it’s hard to imagine!), store the chicken, salad, and toppings all separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the pitas from going soggy. The chicken and salad will each keep nicely for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The cooked ground chicken freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just hold off on freezing salad, tzatziki, and fresh veggies—those are best made fresh right before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ground chicken on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or chicken stock to keep it moist. Don’t forget to assemble your Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas only after everything is heated and ready to go!

FAQs

Can I substitute another protein for ground chicken?

Absolutely! These pitas are just as delicious with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Simply adjust seasoning to match your protein choice and enjoy your own version of Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas.

What’s the best way to keep pita bread soft and fresh?

To keep your pita bread soft, store it in an airtight bag at room temperature. If it starts to dry out, briefly warm in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or sprinkle with a little water and pop them in a warm oven for a couple of minutes before assembling your Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The filling and salad are naturally gluten free, so just grab your favorite gluten free pita rounds or wraps and you’re good to go. Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas can be tailored for just about any dietary need this way!

Can I make the salad in advance?

Definitely! The cucumber tomato salad actually gets even better after an hour or two in the fridge, as the flavors meld together. Just add a pinch of extra salt and toss before serving with the Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas.

What kind of Greek seasoning should I use?

You can use any store-bought Greek seasoning blend, or make your own at home with oregano, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, and a little dill. The flavors should be herby and robust for these Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something satisfying, bright, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, these Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas were truly made for you. They’re a joy to whip up and even more fun to eat. Give them a try at your next family dinner or friendly get-together—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!