Greek Chicken Pita Bowl

Name: Greek Chicken Pita Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 cucumber, grated and drained; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt to taste; 4 whole wheat pita bread; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 red onion, sliced; Feta cheese, for garnish

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

I love the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, and this Greek Chicken Pita Bowl is one of my favorite dishes to whip up. With marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki, it’s a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a delicious lunch option. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it just the way they like!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-02-23T12:39:18.956Z

When I first made this Greek Chicken Pita Bowl, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create a dish bursting with flavor. The key is in the marinade for the chicken—it’s a mix of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs that tenderizes the meat while infusing it with Mediterranean flair. Grilling adds a lovely smoky char that elevates the whole dish.

Another favorite aspect of this bowl is the tzatziki sauce. I find that making it from scratch allows for a fresher taste, and I love adding extra herbs for a little more zing. Serve everything in warm pitas for a satisfying meal that feels light yet filling!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy marinated chicken with zesty flavors
Fresh, crispy vegetables for a satisfying crunch
Creamy tzatziki sauce that ties all the flavors together

Maximizing Flavor with Marinades

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in developing robust flavors for your Greek Chicken Pita Bowl. While a minimum of 30 minutes will infuse some taste, I typically recommend marinating for up to 2 hours for optimal results. This allows the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices to penetrate the chicken deeply, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful. If you're short on time, consider slicing the chicken into smaller pieces before marinating to maximize flavor absorption.

A common mistake is to skip the marinating step entirely. Skipping this can lead to a bland chicken, which will impact the overall enjoyment of your bowl. Always make sure to use a non-reactive bowl for marinating—glass or stainless steel are great choices—as acidic ingredients like lemon juice can react with metals, altering the flavor of your chicken.

Perfecting the Tzatziki Sauce

The homemade tzatziki sauce is the heart of this dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory, grilled chicken. To perfectly incorporate the grated cucumber, it’s vital to drain it well to avoid a watery sauce. You can do this by placing the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing out excess moisture. This step not only thickens the sauce but also enhances the creamy texture, making it stick beautifully to the veggies and chicken in your bowl.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or even some chopped mint to the tzatziki if you want to play with the herb profiles. This classic sauce is versatile, and making it a day ahead can help the flavors meld together even more, ensuring it's ready to be drizzled over your assembled pita bowls.

Assembling Your Pita Bowls

When assembling your Greek Chicken Pita Bowls, the order of ingredients can make a difference in flavor distribution and texture. Start by laying down your warm pita as the base, followed by a generous layer of lettuce to create a barrier that prevents sogginess from the tzatziki and chicken juices. Next, add the sliced chicken and neatly place the cherry tomatoes and onion to maintain a vibrant presentation—this also helps keep the flavors distinct but harmonious.

If you're feeding a crowd or want to customize each bowl, consider setting up a 'pita bar' with all your assembled ingredients. This allows everyone to build their own bowl according to their preferences. Remember, you can also swap out chicken for grilled veggies or chickpeas for a vegetarian option, making this dish adaptable to different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious meal.

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, grated and drained
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt to taste

For Assembly

4 whole wheat pita bread
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 red onion, sliced
Feta cheese, for garnish

Make sure everything is prepped before assembling your bowls for a fun and easy meal.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Greek Chicken Pita Bowl.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before slicing.

Make the Tzatziki

In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until well combined and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble the Bowls

Warm the pita bread. Place sliced chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion into each pita. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese.

Enjoy your meal, and don't forget to customize your bowl!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding grilled peppers or olives to the bowl.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Greek Chicken Pita Bowl is highly adaptable for meal prep. Marinate the chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge, ensuring it's well-covered. You can also make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.

To ensure your ingredients stay fresh, chop your veggies like the tomatoes and onions just before assembling. If you're meal prepping, keep sliced components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Warm the pita bread just before serving to maintain its softness and warmth, which adds an inviting touch to your meal.

Serving Variations

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, or avocado to enhance the Mediterranean palette of flavors in your Pita Bowl. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa can add some heat.

If you're looking for a lower-carb option, substitute the whole wheat pita with lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice as a base. This maintains the essence of the dish while accommodating various dietary preferences. Serve your bowls with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins for this recipe?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled vegetables.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki a day in advance for a quick meal.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat pita with gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps.