Mediterranean Chicken Pita Pockets
Macros and Calories per Portion:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 14g
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 whole wheat pita pockets
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mediterranean Chicken Pita Pockets are a fantastic option for a quick and nutritious lunch. The chicken is marinated with Mediterranean herbs and spices, providing a rich and savoury flavour. Whole wheat pita pockets offer fiber and complex carbohydrates, while the hummus adds creamy texture and healthy fats. Fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion bring a burst of freshness and crunch. Topped with Kalamata olives and feta cheese, these pita pockets are both delicious and packed with nutrients.
How to cook this delicious meal
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and dried oregano. These spices give the chicken a rich, Mediterranean flavor that complements the other ingredients in the pita pockets.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Using a non-stick skillet or ensuring your skillet is well-oiled is crucial to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help it cook evenly.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. You should hear a sizzle, indicating the pan is hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in the juices.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed on one side to develop a nice golden-brown crust before flipping it over with tongs.
- To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there are no pink parts.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips. This makes it easier to distribute evenly throughout the pita pockets, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of ingredients.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Start by dicing the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of hydration to the pita pockets.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and tangy, adding a pop of colour and flavour to the dish.
- Thinly slice the red onion. Red onion provides a bit of sharpness and crunch that complements the other ingredients.
- Slice the Kalamata olives in half lengthwise. Kalamata olives have a rich, briny flavour that adds depth and complexity to the pita pockets.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces. Feta cheese is creamy and tangy, providing a nice contrast to the other flavors in the dish.
- Assemble the Pita Pockets:
- Warm the whole wheat pita pockets slightly in the oven or microwave to make them more pliable and easier to work with. Whole wheat pitas add extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular white pitas.
- Carefully open each pita pocket to create a pocket for the fillings. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pita.
- Spread a generous layer of hummus inside each pita pocket. Hummus adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, as well as healthy fats and protein.
- Add a few slices of chicken to each pita pocket. Distribute the chicken evenly to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Layer the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives on top of the chicken. These fresh vegetables add crunch, color, and flavor to the pita pockets.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Serve:
- Serve the pita pockets immediately, or wrap them in foil for a portable lunch. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. The combination of lean chicken, creamy hummus, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese makes these pita pockets a delicious and nutritious meal.