Grill your chicken burgers right inside the pita pockets in this recipe. Your pitas get crisp, and your burgers stay juicy. Top them with tzatziki, spinach, tomatoes, feta, olives, and cucumbers. This is the ultimate Greek burger.
Peel waxy skin off cucumber, if not using an English Cucumber or home grown. Slice cucumber in half long ways. Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds.
Using a box grater, shred the cucumber. Place cucumber shreds in a tea towel, twist the ends of the tea towel together. Over a bowl, squeeze out excess water from cucumber. (See video above). Discard cucumber water (or make a drink with it).
In a bowl, mix together cucumber shreds and the rest of the tzatziki ingredients. Place in refrigerator.
Make the Burgers
Start the Grill. In a large bowl, put all the ingredients for the chicken burgers. Using wet hands (so the meat doesn’t stick to your hands) mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to over mix.
Stuff the Pita Pockets
Using a brush, spray, or your hands: oil each side of the pitas and sprinkle with salt. When grill is ready, stuff the pitas with 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture. An ice cream scoop works well for this. Don’t over stuff, as they will take longer to grill & may char. Squeeze pita to flatten out for even cooking.
Grill the Stuffed Pitas
Place on grill. Grill on low until internal temperature is 165 degrees. Don't char the pita.
Enjoy
Once your chicken burgers are done, time to get a plate and gussy them up. Either pile the tzatziki on top of the pita, or carefully pry the pita pocket open with a knife and stuff them. Add on your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Video
Notes
If using previously frozen ground chicken, sometimes it can be very watery. If the meat is pretty wet, don't add the egg.I have made the mistake several times of buying "Pita". There are no pockets if it's labeled as just "pita". My grocer carries "Smart Pockets" they are already cut and ready to go. Plus I don't have to guess if they have a pocket.Ground lamb, turkey, bison, or beef all work in this recipe.