Mediterranean Chicken Pita Burgers
Elevate your burger night with these Mediterranean Chicken Pita Burgers that are bursting with flavor and freshness. Juicy ground chicken is combined with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon, creating a deliciously unique alternative to traditional beef burgers. Perfectly paired with fresh vegetables and creamy mayonnaise or tangy tzatziki sauce, these burgers are not only a delight but also a healthier option for your family. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and it's easy to see why!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chicken
1 lb (raw)
Fine Dry Breadcrumb
1/3 cup (none)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Milk
2 tablespoons (none)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Mint
1/2 teaspoon (optional, dried)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Pita Bread
2 (cut in half)
Mayonnaise
to taste (for spreading)
Red Onion
4 slices (fresh)
Tomato
4 slices (fresh)
Green Leaf Lettuce
4 leaves (washed and cut)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, lemon juice, oregano, mint (if using), salt, and pepper. Take care to combine without overmixing, as this can lead to tough burgers.
2
Once mixed, shape the mixture into four patties, each about 3/4 inch thick.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 8 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through, with no pink remaining inside.
4
While the patties are cooking, cut the pita bread in half crosswise to create four pockets. You can warm the pitas either in a 300°F oven wrapped in aluminum foil for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for about 1 minute.
5
Once warmed, spread mayonnaise or tzatziki sauce inside each pita pocket. Place a cooked chicken patty inside, followed by a slice of red onion, a slice of tomato, and a handful of lettuce. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Chicken Pita Burgers?
They are a flavorful and fresh alternative to traditional beef burgers, made with juicy ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon served in pita pockets.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of ground chicken.
How many patties does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes four patties, each about 3/4 inch thick.
What binders are used to hold the chicken patties together?
One beaten egg and 1/3 cup of fine dry breadcrumbs are used as binders.
Why is milk added to the burger mixture?
Two tablespoons of milk are added to the mixture to help keep the ground chicken moist and tender.
What is the most important tip when mixing the ingredients?
You should gently mix the ingredients and take care not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
How thick should the chicken patties be shaped?
The patties should be shaped to be approximately 3/4 inch thick.
How long do you cook the chicken patties?
Cook the patties for about 8 minutes in total, turning them once halfway through.
What temperature or heat setting should be used for cooking?
A large nonstick skillet should be heated over medium-high heat with vegetable oil.
How can I tell when the chicken burgers are fully cooked?
They are done when they are golden brown on the outside and there is no pink remaining inside.
How do I prepare the pita bread?
Cut two pita breads in half crosswise to create four individual pockets.
What is the best way to warm pitas in the oven?
Wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes.
Can I warm the pita bread in the microwave?
Yes, you can warm them in the microwave for approximately 1 minute.
What sauces pair well with these Mediterranean burgers?
The recipe recommends using either mayonnaise or a tangy tzatziki sauce.
Which fresh vegetables are suggested for assembly?
The suggested toppings include a slice of red onion, a slice of tomato, and a handful of green leaf lettuce for each burger.
What herbs are used to season the meat?
The mixture is seasoned with dried oregano and optional dried mint.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, these burgers are described as a healthier option for families compared to traditional beef burgers.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
The recipe specifies using four leaves of green leaf lettuce that have been washed and cut.
Can I use fresh mint instead of dried?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint, but fresh could be used as a substitute if preferred.
What type of oil is used for frying?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used for cooking the patties in the skillet.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How many slices of red onion should I prepare?
You will need four slices of fresh red onion.
How many tomato slices are used?
The recipe uses four fresh tomato slices.
When should I serve these burgers?
They should be served immediately after assembly to enjoy the freshness and warmth.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for a summer barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While designed for pita bread, you could use traditional buns, though it would change the Mediterranean style.
Is the egg added whole or beaten?
The recipe specifies using one beaten egg.
What size bowl is recommended for mixing?
A medium-sized bowl is recommended for combining the patty ingredients.
Are there any specific preparation steps for the breadcrumbs?
No specific preparation is needed other than ensuring they are fine dry breadcrumbs.