Why Make This Recipe
If you are searching for a quick and tasty meal, look no further than this Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch. This recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, thanks to cooking everything on one sheet pan. The chicken is marinated in mouth-watering spices that provide a burst of flavor, making the dish satisfying and delicious.
The fresh slaw adds a crunchy texture and a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken. It also introduces a healthy dose of veggies, making it a balanced meal option. Finally, the creamy avocado adds richness, rounding out the pita perfectly. Whether you are feeding your family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
You will love how this meal is very customizable. You can easily adjust the spice levels or swap out ingredients to suit your taste. This versatility makes it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Cooking on a sheet pan also helps to retain moisture and enhances the flavors, delivering perfectly cooked chicken every time. Trust us, once you try these Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas, they will become a staple in your recipe collection!
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
Making Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow the simple steps below to create this delicious meal from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lemon, sliced
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or non-dairy alternative)
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- ½ small head green cabbage, shredded
- 2–3 pitas
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
Directions
Preheat Your Oven: First, preheat your oven to 425ºF. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the Chicken: Take a large mixing bowl and combine the chicken pieces with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix all the ingredients until the chicken is well-coated. Finally, add the lemon slices into the mix.
Roast the Chicken: Spread the chicken mixture evenly on a sheet pan in a single layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, give the chicken a good toss so it cooks evenly, and then roast for an additional 4-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Make the Slaw: While the chicken roasts, prepare the herby ranch slaw. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Once mixed, fold in the shredded cabbage. Let the slaw rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Prepare the Pitas: Warm your pitas in a microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
Assemble the Pitas: Once the chicken is ready and the slaw has rested, it’s time to assemble your pitas. Scoop some of the roasted chicken into the pita, add a generous amount of herby slaw, and then finish with cubed avocado. Serve them warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
Serving Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas is simple and fun. These pitas are best enjoyed warm, right after assembly. You can serve them as a quick lunch or dinner, and they also make for a great picnic food. Consider pairing these pitas with a side of:
- Fresh Fruit: A side of grapes, watermelon, or berries can complement the dish well.
- Chips: Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips for a crunchy addition.
- Extra Slaw: Prepare extra slaw to serve on the side, giving everyone a chance to add more crunch.
- Dipping Sauce: A bit of extra herby ranch or hot sauce can add an extra kick.
These pitas are so versatile that you can create a build-your-own style meal, allowing each person to customize their own.
How to Store Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is essential to maintain their freshness.
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken and slaw to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the roasted chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers. This will help retain the textures and prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: When you are ready to eat the leftover chicken, you can warm it in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or in the microwave. If you wish to keep the pitas fresh, it’s best to heat them up just before you eat.
Tips to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
Making the perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas is easy with a few helpful tips:
- Marinate: For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge.
- Cook in Batches: If you have a lot of chicken to cook, consider using two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding. This helps the chicken roast evenly.
- Try Other Veggies: You can add other veggies like bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini to the sheet pan for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you find the cayenne pepper too spicy for your taste, you can reduce or omit it, tailoring the dish to your preference.
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe further. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on which protein you choose.
- Different Herbs: If you don’t have dill, parsley, or chives on hand, you can use whatever herbs you have available, like cilantro or basil.
- Add Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese inside the pita can add creamy, tangy flavor.
- Switch up the Slaw: Try different types of slaw or use a store-bought coleslaw mix for convenience.
FAQs
1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time. Just marinate it in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
2. What can I use instead of yogurt?
You can use sour cream, buttermilk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond yogurt if you prefer.
3. Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight before following the cooking steps.
4. How do I make the slaw healthier?
You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a higher protein option or add additional veggies like carrots or bell peppers to boost nutrients.
With this simple and delicious recipe, you can create a meal that not only tastes great but is also easy to prepare. Enjoy your Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch!
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix until the chicken is well-coated, and add the lemon slices.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes, then toss the chicken and roast for an additional 4-7 minutes until cooked through.
- While the chicken roasts, prepare the slaw by whisking together the yogurt, dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Fold in the shredded cabbage and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Warm the pitas until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the pitas by scooping in the roasted chicken, adding a generous amount of herby slaw, and topping with cubed avocado. Serve warm.