Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pita with Hot Honey Feta Cream

If you’re looking for something bold, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy, this Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pita delivers. Warm spiced ground chicken is tucked into soft pita bread and layered with crisp vegetables, then finished with a creamy hot honey feta sauce that brings sweetness, tang, and just enough heat.

It’s weeknight-friendly but impressive enough to serve guests. The contrast between juicy chicken, cool vegetables, and the rich feta cream makes every bite balanced and flavorful.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 pitas

Ingredients

For the Ground Chicken

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken

1–2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ small onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Chili flakes, to taste

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Juice of ½ lemon

For the Hot Honey Feta Cream

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

1–2 tablespoons honey

Pinch of red chili flakes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Fresh dill, optional

For the Pita & Toppings

4 pita breads or flatbreads

1 cup shredded lettuce or arugula

1 cup diced cucumber

1 cup diced tomatoes

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish

Instructions

Heat the oil. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.

Cook aromatics. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add ground chicken. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

Season the mixture. Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook another 2–3 minutes to toast the spices.

Finish with lemon. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Set aside.

Prepare feta cream. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, feta, honey, chili flakes, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in fresh dill if using.

Warm the pita. Heat pita breads in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.

Assemble the base. Spread a generous spoonful of hot honey feta cream inside each pita.

Add fillings. Spoon in the warm ground chicken, then top with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.

Garnish and serve. Finish with fresh parsley or mint and an extra drizzle of feta cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips

Use medium heat to prevent ground chicken from drying out.

Don’t overcook the chicken; remove once just cooked through.

Let the feta soften slightly before mixing for a smoother sauce.

Adjust honey depending on your sweetness preference.

Drain diced tomatoes slightly to avoid soggy pitas.

Warm pita briefly to prevent cracking.

Taste the chicken mixture before assembling to adjust seasoning.

Add extra lemon for a brighter finish.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water.

Assemble just before serving for best texture.

Variations

Grilled Version: Shape chicken into patties and grill instead of sautéing.

Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of pita.

Spicy Harissa Twist: Mix a teaspoon of harissa into the feta cream.

Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella inside the pita.

Pickled Addition: Add quick-pickled onions for extra tang.

Olive Boost: Toss in chopped Kalamata olives.

Cucumber Yogurt Swap: Replace feta cream with classic tzatziki.

Meal Bowl Style: Serve over rice or quinoa instead of bread.

Herb-Heavy Version: Double the fresh herbs for brighter flavor.

Extra Crunch: Add shredded cabbage for texture.

Q&A

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Does the feta cream keep well?
Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely. It works the same way.

Is this freezer-friendly?
The cooked chicken freezes well. The sauce is best made fresh.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt and skip feta or use a plant-based alternative.

How spicy is it?
Mild to medium. Adjust chili flakes and honey to your taste.

What sides pair well?
Roasted potatoes, a Greek salad, or grilled vegetables.

Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes, and you can skip adding chili flakes.

How do I prevent soggy pita?
Layer sauce lightly and add lettuce before juicy ingredients.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for gatherings.

Nutrition

(Approximate per serving)

Calories: 480–520

Protein: 32–36g

Carbohydrates: 35–40g

Fat: 22–26g

Fiber: 3–5g

Sugar: 6–9g

Values vary depending on pita size and sauce quantity.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pita with Hot Honey Feta Cream brings together savory spices, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sweet-heat finish in one satisfying package. The warm chicken and cool toppings create contrast, while the feta cream adds richness without overpowering the dish.

It’s simple enough for a quick dinner but flavorful enough to feel special. Once you try that combination of cumin-spiced chicken and sweet, tangy feta sauce, it’s hard not to keep it on repeat.