The Brief
• Nutrition coach Zahji Billingslea demonstrates a 25-minute Greek chicken pita recipe that provides protein, vegetables, and probiotics in one meal
• The recipe uses simple ingredients like seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, Greek yogurt sauce, and whole wheat pitas
• Families can customize the meal for picky eaters by adding sides like salad or air fryer fries
MADISON, Wis. — With busy schedules and long days, weekday dinners can feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be.
On News 3 Now This Morning, local nutrition coach Zahji Billingslea shared a simple, healthy recipe that takes just 25 minutes to prepare.
Billingslea made Greek chicken pitas, a colorful meal that packs protein, vegetables, and probiotics into one dish.
“It’s very simple, very easy to make, full of flavor for the most part, hits the majority of the categories on my plate,” Billingslea said. “You have your veggie servings of the day, you have your probiotics and your Greek yogurt. You have your protein source.”
The recipe starts with chopping vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, then seasoning chicken with oregano and garlic. Billingslea emphasized the flexibility of home cooking.
“The best part about cooking at home is it’s like Burger King. You can do it however you want,” she said.
For families and individuals with dietary restrictions, vegetarians can substitute chickpeas for chicken, while those preferring red meat can use steak instead.
The sauce combines Greek yogurt with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Billingslea recommends using high-protein Greek yogurt to maximize nutritional benefits.
The total preparation time makes the recipe particularly appealing for working families. Billingslea said the entire meal takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, or 10-15 minutes using pre-chopped ingredients.
“I am pretty busy. I don’t have kids, but I am a pretty busy person. I don’t like being in the kitchen either,” she said.
The recipe accommodates picky eaters through customizable assembly. Billingslea suggests letting family members build their own pitas.
“If you do have picky eaters that are not big fans of veggies, let them make their own plate. That is what my mom did with us,” she said.
For selective eaters, the meal can be paired with air fryer fries, while those wanting additional vegetables can add a side salad. The nutrition coach emphasizes using whole wheat pitas to increase nutritional value.
“You got to keep meals colorful, especially if they’re going to be on the simpler side,” Billingslea said.
Billingslea, who is launched her own nutrition coaching practice can be reached at crave.zones@gmail.com.
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