Cheap Mediterranean Pita Pockets | Did The Teenagers Love Them? #easyrecipe

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We fed 8 people for $4.41 each using Trader Joe’s only — Mediterranean chicken pitas, pita chips, and hummus included.

$5 Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Chicken Pitas

Feeds: 8 people
Total Cost: ~$35.29
Cost Per Serving: ~$4.41
Cook Time: ~10 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

🛒 Ingredients (Trader Joe’s)

• 1 package Pita Bread – $2.99
• 2 containers Greek Salad – $3.49 each
• 1 container Tzatziki Sauce – $3.99 each
• 2 containers Garlic Spread – $3.69 each
• ~1.5 lbs Boneless Chicken Thighs – ~$7.34
• 1 container Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – $3.40

Optional Garnish

• Feta cheese (from Greek salad)

🌶️ Chicken Seasoning (Simple All-Purpose Rub)

Mix or use a pre-made blend with:

• 2 Tbsp Garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp Onion powder
• 4 Tbsp Paprika
• 2 Tbsp Salt
• 2 Tbsp Black pepper
• 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper (can be eliminated if you don’t want any spice)
• 4 Tbsp Brown sugar
• Season generously until the chicken is well coated but still visible.

🔪 Prep Steps

1. Preheat cooking surface
   Heat a Blackstone griddle or large skillet until very hot.
2. Prep the chicken
   • Trim excess fat from chicken thighs.
   • Slice into thin, flat strips for quick cooking.
3. Season
   Coat chicken evenly with the seasoning rub.

🍳 Cooking the Chicken

1. Lightly oil the skillet or griddle
2. Place chicken on the hot griddle or skillet.
3. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a good sear.
4. Flip and cook 2 more minutes until fully cooked and nicely browned.
5. Remove and keep warm.
6. After cooling slightly Add 2-3 Large Spoon fulls of Tzatziki Sauce to coat chicken 

Tip: Chicken thighs cook fast and stay juicy—don’t overcook.

🥗 Prep the Salad

• Open Greek salad containers and lightly toss to evenly distribute vegetables, olives and feta.

🔥 Warm the Pitas

1. Place pitas directly on the warm griddle or skillet.
2. Heat until soft and steaming, flipping once.
3. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.

🥙 Assemble the Pitas (Assembly-Line Style)

1. Open pita pocket carefully (it will be hot).
2. Spread garlic spread inside the pita, coating all sides.
3. Add Greek Salad
4. Add a layer of Chicken
5. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the top.
6. Optional: Add more chicken and extra tzatziki.

Repeat for all pitas.

🧆 Bonus: Homemade Pita Chips

1. Crisp leftover pita on the hot griddle until golden and crispy.
2. Slice leftover pita into strips or triangles.
3. Serve with roasted red pepper hummus.

✅ Final Result

• 8 hearty Mediterranean chicken pitas
• Extra hummus, garlic spread, and tzatziki for dipping
• A filling, teen-approved meal for under $5 per person

💡 Serving Tips

• Fold pita like a gyro or eat open-faced.
• Serve with pita chips on the side.
• Perfect for families, study groups, game nights, or meal prep.

🧮 Nutrition Estimate (Already Added to Recipe)

Per pita (approx):

• Calories: 550–600
• Protein: 35–40g
• Carbs: 45–50g
• Fat: 22–26g

High-protein, filling, and teen-approved.

Trader Joe’s really made this one easy.
If you have your own budget food hacks, drop them in the comments!