When you need a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, these Chicken & Tzatziki Wraps deliver everything you’re looking for in one perfect handheld package. This recipe combines tender, herb-seasoned chicken with cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, crisp vegetables, and warm pita bread for a meal that feels like a mini vacation to the Greek islands. Serving 4 people generously, these wraps are ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, offering a delicious balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and authentic Mediterranean taste. The magic happens when the warm, seasoned chicken meets the refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce, creating a flavor combination that’s both comforting and light.
Ingredients for the Chicken
For perfectly seasoned Mediterranean chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredients for Homemade Tzatziki
For the creamy tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Assembly Ingredients
For building your perfect wraps:
- 4 large pita breads or flour tortillas
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce
Start by making the tzatziki sauce, as it benefits from time to let the flavors meld together. Place the diced cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then press gently with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. This step prevents your tzatziki from becoming watery.
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and white pepper, then stir everything together until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
Marinating and Cooking the Chicken
While the tzatziki chills, prepare your chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch for uniform cooking. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat all sides completely. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. The herbs and lemon juice will tenderize the meat while infusing it with Mediterranean taste.
Cooking the Perfect Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on the first side without moving it, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period keeps the juices locked in, ensuring tender, moist meat. Slice the chicken into thin strips and sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Preparing Your Vegetables
While the chicken rests, prepare your fresh vegetables. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomato, removing excess seeds and juice to prevent soggy wraps. Slice the red onion into thin half-moons and separate the layers. Pit and slice the kalamata olives, and crumble the feta cheese into small chunks.
Warming the Bread
Warm your pita breads or tortillas to make them more pliable and enhance their flavor. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds. Warm bread is easier to fold and tastes much better than cold.
Assembling Your Mediterranean Wraps
Lay each warm pita or tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce down the center of each wrap, leaving borders on the sides for easy rolling. The sauce acts as both a flavor component and a moisture barrier.
Layer the sliced chicken over the tzatziki, followed by the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, olives, and crumbled feta. Be generous with the fillings, but don’t overstuff, as this makes rolling difficult.
Rolling the Perfect Wrap
To roll your wraps properly, fold in the sides first, then roll from the bottom up, keeping the filling tucked in tightly. The key is to roll firmly but not so tight that the filling squishes out. Wrap the bottom half in aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep everything contained while eating.
Serving and Presentation
Cut each wrap diagonally in half to show off the colorful layers inside. Arrange on plates with any remaining tzatziki on the side for dipping. These wraps pair beautifully with a simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy pita chips.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These wraps are perfect for meal preparation. Store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cooked chicken, tzatziki, and chopped vegetables in individual containers, then assemble fresh wraps as needed. The tzatziki actually improves in flavor over time, making it ideal for advance preparation.
If you need to store assembled wraps, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. However, they’re always best when freshly made to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the texture of the bread.
This recipe serves 4 people with substantial, satisfying wraps that capture all the fresh, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in every delicious bite.
