Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.
- Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Reposition cucumber to a dry section and squeeze again. Combine the squeezed cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, and salt. Stir, taste for seasoning, and refrigerate.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a thin drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken strips in a single layer in batches without crowding for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Warm pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 to 20 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki across the center of each warm pita. Add a portion of chicken strips, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, and chopped cucumber.
- Add crumbled feta and Kalamata olives if desired. Fold the pita over the filling and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Stir tzatziki before using as it may release liquid. Reheat chicken in a hot dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes or microwave at medium power for 60 seconds. Marinated raw chicken can sit up to 24 hours before cooking. Substitutions: Chicken breast can replace thighs; reduce cook time to 2 to 3 minutes per side. Dried dill (1 tsp) replaces fresh dill. Couscous or rice base for a bowl version. Pro tips: Squeeze cucumber twice in a kitchen towel. Cook chicken in batches without crowding. Marinate overnight for best results. Tzatziki improves after 1 hour in the refrigerator.
