These chicken pitas are bursting with bold flavor, wrapped in warm pita bread and loaded with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy herby ranch slaw that ties everything together. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fresh and satisfying without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these chicken pitas come together so easily, yet taste like something from a gourmet café. The combination of warm spiced chicken and cool, tangy slaw creates the perfect balance. It’s also great for meal prep and perfect for lunch or dinner. Everything gets tucked into a fluffy pita for a handheld meal that’s both fun and filling.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Olive oil
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Smoked paprika
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Cumin
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Salt and pepper
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Greek yogurt or sour cream
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Ranch dressing
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Fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or chives)
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Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
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Carrots, shredded
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Red onion, thinly sliced
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Lemon juice
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Pita bread or flatbreads
Directions
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I start by marinating the chicken in olive oil and a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. I let it sit for at least 20 minutes to soak up the flavor.
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While the chicken marinates, I mix up the slaw. In a bowl, I combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion with ranch dressing, a dollop of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs. I toss everything together until it’s creamy and coated.
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I cook the chicken on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s golden and cooked through. Then I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thin.
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I warm the pita bread, then fill each one with slices of chicken and a generous scoop of the creamy herby slaw.
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I fold it up and dig in while it’s still warm and fresh.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready on the table in about 35 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I switch up the protein and use grilled shrimp or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian version. I also like adding sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. For a lower-carb option, I turn it into a salad bowl and skip the pita altogether.
Storage/reheating
I store the cooked chicken and the slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to eat, I quickly reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, then assemble fresh pitas. The slaw is best served cold, so I keep it chilled until serving.
FAQs
How spicy is this recipe?
The chicken has a warm, smoky flavor but isn’t spicy. I can add chili flakes or hot sauce if I want more heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the chicken and slaw in advance. I keep them stored separately and assemble the pitas just before eating.
What type of pita bread works best?
I like using soft, thick pitas that can hold the filling without tearing. Flatbreads also work well for wrapping.
Is there a dairy-free version?
To make it dairy-free, I use a plant-based ranch and yogurt alternative. It still turns out creamy and flavorful.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking on the stove?
Absolutely. Grilling the chicken adds a nice char and deeper flavor. I just make sure it’s cooked through before slicing.
Conclusion
These flavor-packed chicken pitas with creamy herby ranch slaw are everything I want in a quick, delicious meal. The juicy chicken, crunchy slaw, and soft pita come together beautifully. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this recipe is a keeper.
PrintFlavor-Packed Chicken Pitas with Creamy Herby Ranch Slaw
These chicken pitas are packed with juicy, spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy herby ranch slaw, all tucked into warm pita bread. A quick and flavorful handheld meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- While chicken marinates, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Toss until well combined. Chill until ready to use.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven.
- Assemble each pita with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of herby slaw.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for more flavor – up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Use thick, soft pita or flatbread to prevent tearing.
- Slaw can be made a few hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different variation.
- Store components separately for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita with filling
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
