Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Try this Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce recipe
Try this Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce recipe
- 1 tsp salt
- dash of salt
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- chopped tomato
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
- 1 cucumber, peeled deseeded and grated
- 2 heaping tb plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 clove garlic (or more depending on taste. i like leftove
- 2/3 cup warm water (not so hot you can't hold your finger but not lukewarm)
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp milk (warmed in the microwave about 45 se
- chopped cucumber
- red onion slivered
- fat free feta
- Carbohydrate 294.434844079129 g
- Cholesterol 3.73749998925771 mg
- Fat 11.0219011331442 g
- Fiber 14.1976076088822 g
- Protein 44.5813656926571 g
- Saturated Fat 2.20831777736065 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (587g)
- Sodium 180.749042860467 mg
- Sugar 280.237236470247 g
- Trans Fat 1.92535377098286 g
- Calories 1478 calories
Step-by-step
- In the bowl of a stand mixer add yeast, sugar and warm water. Allow to sit for 5 minutes so the yeast has time to activate.
- Slowly add in milk, oil, and salt and mix with paddle attachment on low for 30 seconds to incorporate.
- Switch to dough hook attachment. Add flour 1 cup at a time and mix on low until flour is incorporated. Turn up to medium speed and mix until dough forms a ball and releases from the side of the bowl; about 2 minutes.
- Remove dough ball to a clean bowl, cover with a damp paper towel and allow to rise for 1 hour. (I turn my oven on set to 350 and allow it to heat up for 3 minutes then turn it off. This provides a nice warm place for the dough to rise!)
- While dough is rising, prepare tzatziki sauce, recipe below!
- Divide dough into small sections (about 8) and press into 6-8" rough circles, like a pizza dough on a lightly flour surface.
- Heat a large non stick skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Add 1 pita dough to skillet and allow to cook for 1 minute or until bubbles start to appear on top and underside is golden brown. Flip and cook an additional minute.
- Remove to a plate and keep covered with foil until ready to serve.
- Serve each pita with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce along the bottom, top with cooked chicken, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Serve with additional tzatziki sauce for dipping!
- Peel cucumber and slice in half horizontally. Scrape seeds out with a spoon and carefully grate using a mix of small and large holes of a cheese grater. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh colander and using the back of a spoon press out as much moisture as possible. Scoop cucumber into a clean kitchen towel and wring out remaining moisture.
- Place cucumber into food processor with remaining tzatziki ingredients and pulse until smooth.
A Taste of the Mediterranean: My Simple Chicken Pita Tacos
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can often feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and ensuring everyone in the family has a nutritious dinner on the table leaves little room for elaborate recipes. But I've learned that delicious doesn't have to mean difficult. In fact, some of my favorite meals are the simplest ones, the ones that come together quickly but still pack a punch of flavor. And these Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos are a perfect example.
The inspiration for this recipe struck me during a recent trip to Greece. The vibrant flavors, the fresh ingredients, and the incredible aromas that filled the air completely captivated me. I was determined to recreate that taste back at home, creating a dish that was both satisfying and easy enough to prepare after a long day at the office. The result? These delightful pita tacos, bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce that truly elevates the dish. The best part? It's surprisingly quick to make!
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I start by making a quick and easy pita bread (though store-bought works in a pinch!). The fluffy texture is perfect for holding all the delicious fillings. Then, it’s all about assembling the tacos with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean: juicy grilled chicken, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions. And let's not forget the star of the show – the creamy, cool tzatziki sauce. This sauce is a game-changer, adding a refreshing and tangy element that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Preparing the tzatziki is a breeze. I use a food processor to quickly blend together the grated cucumber (don't forget to squeeze out the excess moisture!), Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and a touch of red wine vinegar. The result is a smooth, creamy sauce that’s both flavorful and refreshing. I like to make a larger batch and keep it in the refrigerator for a few days – it's delicious as a dip or spread on sandwiches too! The subtle hint of garlic adds a touch of savory complexity, while the dill provides a fragrant and herbaceous note that perfectly complements the other flavors.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adapt it to your own preferences. You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce. Or, if you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe has become a staple in my household, a quick and easy go-to meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. The bright, fresh flavors transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, even if you're just in your own kitchen. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean, even on the busiest of days.
A quick tip: Preparing the ingredients in advance can save you a significant amount of time on busy weeknights. Chop the vegetables, grate the cucumber, and make the tzatziki sauce earlier in the day or even the night before. This way, assembling the tacos takes only minutes!
Another helpful tip: Leftover chicken from a roast chicken can be used in this recipe. This is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and save time on cooking.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
