Lemony Greek Chicken Pitas with Oven Roasted Fries & Tzatziki-ish Herbed Yogurt Drizzle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate balance of bright, tangy, and savory flavors. The lemony chicken brings a grilled-like depth of flavor without firing up the grill. The oven-roasted fries add a crisp, comforting element, while the herbed yogurt drizzle brings everything together with creamy freshness. It’s customizable, fun to assemble, and a family-friendly meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

for the Lemony Greek Chicken Pitas:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 lemons, zested & juiced

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

• warm pita bread, oven-roasted Greek fries, tzatziki-ish herbed yogurt drizzle, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, pickled red onions, crumbled feta, chopped fresh dill (for serving, as desired)

for the Oven-Roasted Greek Fries:

• 2–3 gold potatoes, peeled as desired & sliced into 1/3-inch fries (approx. 1.5 pounds)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lemon, juiced & divided

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

for the Tzatziki-ish Herbed Yogurt Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2% is best)

• 1 lemon, zested & juiced

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill

• 1–2 tablespoons water

• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F with one rack in the center and one under the broiler.

2. Marinate the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.

3. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and roast in the center rack for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to achieve light char.

4. For the fries, toss potato slices with olive oil, half the lemon juice, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Squeeze remaining lemon juice over fries before serving.

5. For the yogurt drizzle, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice, garlic, dill, water, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency.

6. Assemble pitas with warm bread, chicken, fries, yogurt drizzle, and your choice of toppings. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or even lamb strips for a different protein.

• Make it vegetarian by using grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas instead of chicken.

• Add roasted red peppers or kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.

• Use sweet potatoes for a twist on the fries.

• Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken, fries, and yogurt drizzle separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and fries in a 375°F oven until warmed through and crisp. The yogurt drizzle should be kept chilled and stirred before serving. Assembled pitas are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?

Yes, grilling works beautifully. Cook the marinated chicken thighs over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through.

Can I make the fries in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.

What type of pita bread works best?

Soft, slightly thick pita or pocketless Greek-style pita works best for holding the fillings without tearing.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Is the yogurt drizzle the same as tzatziki?

It’s inspired by tzatziki but simplified, with dill and lemon as the main flavors. Traditional tzatziki includes cucumber.

Can I prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

How do I keep the fries crispy?

Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. A hot oven is key.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, freeze cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What toppings go well with this pita?

Shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, pickled red onions, feta, olives, and fresh herbs all pair wonderfully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The chicken and fries are naturally gluten-free. Use gluten-free pita bread to make the whole meal gluten-free.

Conclusion

Lemony Greek Chicken Pitas with Oven Roasted Fries and Herbed Yogurt Drizzle are a vibrant, hearty, and customizable dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. With tender chicken, crisp fries, and a refreshing yogurt sauce, this recipe makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. It’s a versatile meal you’ll want to return to again and again.

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