Description
These Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas are a flavorful and healthy summer meal featuring oven-baked, caramelized chicken seasoned with a smoky spice blend, paired with a creamy, herb-infused ranch slaw made from fresh cabbage and yogurt. Quick to prepare and perfect for a light yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
Herby Ranch Slaw
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt, or non-dairy alternative
- 1/4 cup dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chives, minced
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded
Other
- 2-3 pitas
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF, ideally using the convection setting to promote even cooking and caramelization.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and olive oil. Add the lemon slices and toss all ingredients thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the chicken on a sheet pan ensuring pieces are spread out without overcrowding. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then toss the chicken to allow even cooking, and bake for an additional 4-7 minutes until the chicken is crisp, caramelized, and cooked through.
- Prepare Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, chopped dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and kosher salt. Add the shredded cabbage and toss well to combine. Allow the slaw to sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Assemble Pitas: Warm the pita breads in the microwave or oven. Stuff each pita generously with the prepared herby ranch slaw, baked chicken pieces, and cubed ripe avocado. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with a non-dairy alternative to accommodate dietary preferences.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the chicken on the sheet pan to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Letting the slaw sit before serving enhances the flavor and softens the cabbage slightly.
- Adding avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats, but it can be omitted or substituted as desired.
