Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pita Wraps
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pita Wraps are one of those meals that feel fresh, satisfying, and effortless all at once. They bring together juicy lemon-marinated chicken, warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce that ties everything together. The flavors are bright and clean, built around olive oil, citrus, garlic, and herbs that are staples across Mediterranean kitchens. These wraps work equally well for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a build-your-own meal for guests. Everything can be prepared ahead, making assembly fast and stress-free. Each bite delivers a balance of tender chicken, soft bread, crunch, and tang, which is exactly what makes this dish such a reliable favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 wraps
Ingredients
For the Lemon Chicken
1.2 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Wraps
10 pita breads
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
For the Yogurt Sauce
1½ cups Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated
Salt to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
Remove chicken from heat and let it rest briefly.
Warm the pita breads in a dry pan or oven until soft and pliable.
Assemble each wrap by spreading yogurt sauce over the pita, adding chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion.
Fold the pita into a wrap and serve immediately.
Tips
Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if not overcooked.
Marinating longer deepens the lemon flavor.
Zest the lemon before juicing for best results.
Use a hot pan to get good color on the chicken.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
Warm pita bread prevents tearing during wrapping.
Slice vegetables thinly for better texture in the wrap.
Taste the yogurt sauce and adjust salt or lemon as needed.
Let cooked chicken rest briefly to retain juices.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
Add sliced olives for a briny Mediterranean note.
Replace yogurt sauce with hummus or tahini sauce.
Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
Sprinkle feta cheese inside the wrap.
Use whole wheat pita for added fiber.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Replace chicken with grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
Turn the filling into a salad by skipping the pita.
Q & A
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and fresh.
Can I use store-bought pita?
Absolutely, store-bought pita works perfectly.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Avoid overcooking and use enough marinade.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 200°C until cooked through.
Is this recipe healthy?
It’s balanced, protein-rich, and full of fresh ingredients.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
What can I serve on the side?
Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or fries pair well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or skip the sauce.
Does it work for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately and assemble when ready.
Nutrition
(Per Wrap, Approximate)
Calories: 410
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pita Wraps are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. Bright lemon, tender chicken, and creamy yogurt sauce come together in a way that feels fresh and comforting at the same time. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these wraps fit effortlessly into busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings. Once you try them, they’re likely to become a regular part of your Mediterranean-inspired rotation.