Enjoying a wholesome and delicious food that's under 400 calories? Look no further than the Chicken Souvlaki Pita. Packed with protein, fiber and flavor. This Mediterranean food staple not only serves as a quick meal on the go, but also offers a great source of nutrition. With only 311 calories per pita, you can relish every bite while staying on track of your calorie intake.

The Chicken Souvlaki Pita is a popular Greek food that is made with marinated chicken, fresh vegetables and drizzled with your favorite sauces. This classic recipe has been around for centuries, but its popularity grew immensely after the fast-food chains in America started serving their version of the souvlaki. The ingredients used in Souvlaki vary depending on the region, some add onions, peppers and other veggies to the recipe while others keep it simple with just meat and pita.

In this article, we'll explore the best way to make your own Chicken Souvlaki Pita at home and also provide you with some tips and tricks for cooking the perfect souvlaki.

Ingredients and nutrition information

The Chicken Souvlaki Pita comprises a variety of nutritious ingredients, including marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and sauces. The dish usually contains around 311 calories, but additional nutritional information varies according to the toppings and sauces you choose to add to your pita. The nutrition value for a basic Chicken Souvlaki Pita is as follows: Calories: 311 Fat: 10.2g Saturates: 3g Carbohydrate: 30.8g Sugar: 3.9g Fiber: 1.9g Protein: 22.1g Salt: 1.7g

The history of the souvlaki

The origins of the souvlaki can be traced back to ancient Athens, Greece where it was first introduced as a street food for Athenian citizens to enjoy. The word 'souvlaki' or 'souvla' means, 'skewer' or 'spit' in English. The dish evolved throughout the centuries and is now a popular fast-food item across the Mediterranean, Europe and America. Many claim that the first souvlaki was made with pork, but variations have been created using beef, chicken, and lamb. The basic ingredients remain the same; meat is typically marinated with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and seasoning, and then skewered and grilled until succulent before being served with the pita bread and veggies.

How to make a homemade chicken souvlaki pita

Making homemade chicken souvlaki pita is easy and it allows you to adjust the recipe to your liking. Here are the steps to prepare the dish: Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small cubes 4-6 pitas 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste Sliced red onions, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber Tzatziki sauce or your preferred sauce for serving Step 1: Marinate the chicken in a large bowl with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Step 2: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Step 3: Warm up the pita bread in the oven or in the microwave. Then place the chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cucumber onto the pita bread. Step 4: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the fillings and roll the pita bread up tightly. Step 5: Enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki Pita with your preferred toppings and sauces.

Tips and tricks for cooking the perfect souvlaki

The key to preparing the perfect Chicken Souvlaki Pita is in the preparation, marination and grilling. Here are some tips for making sure your souvlaki comes out as delicious and flavorful as possible: 1. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors seep in properly. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. 2. Soak the skewers before using them so that they don't burn during cooking.

Toppings and sauces to try

The Chicken Souvlaki Pita provides numerous options for toppings and sauces to suit all taste buds. Here are a few toppings and sauces that you can try: Toppings: sliced red onions, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sweet peppers, and parsley. Sauces: Tzatziki sauce, Tahini, Hummus, Harissa, Hot Sauce.

The difference between Greek and American-style souvlaki

There are a few differences between Greek and American-style souvlaki. In Greece, souvlaki is typically made with pork, while in the United States, chicken is the preferred choice of meat. Moreover, in America, souvlaki is usually served as a sandwich, while in Greece it is usually eaten with a fork and knife. Furthermore, American-style souvlaki often contains additional toppings such as cheese and lettuce that are not commonly used in Greek style souvlaki.

Variations on the classic recipe

The Chicken Souvlaki Pita is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various preferences. Here are some variations on the classic recipe that you can try: 1. Replace chicken with lamb or beef for a heartier flavor. 2. Add different vegetables and herbs to the marinade or filling to mix up the taste. 3. Toast the pita to make it more crispy or use flatbread instead of pita. 4. For a lower carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.

Serving suggestions for your chicken souvlaki pita

The Chicken Souvlaki Pita is a great option for a simple but nourishing meal. Here are a few serving suggestions to enjoy with your chicken souvlaki pita: 1. Serve with a side of Greek salad and lemon wedges. 2. Accompany your meal with pita chips and your favorite dip. 3. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of Lemonade or Iced Tea.

The health benefits of this dish

Chicken Souvlaki Pita is not only a delicious dish, but it also offers various nutritional benefits that make it good for your health. Here are some of the benefits that you get by including this dish in your diet: 1. Rich in protein, which helps to build and repair muscles. 2. High in fiber, which keeps you full for longer periods and promotes digestion. 3. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B, Iron, Calcium and Potassium, all of which are necessary for maintaining good health.

Where to find the best souvlaki in Greece

Greece offers plenty of options for eating out and trying the authentic souvlaki. Here are a few favorite spots for you to try: 1. KOSTAS in Monastiraki 2. APOSTOLOS in Psiri 3. TAKIS in Kruoneri 4. MOUSTAKAS in Nea Smyrni All of these restaurants are great for souvlaki that pack a punch and are popular among locals and tourists alike.