Why You’ll Love Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

There are many reasons to love this recipe:

Quick and Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavor: The savory chicken, tangy feta, and fresh herbs come together for a rich, satisfying taste that’s both hearty and light.
Crispy Texture: The pita is perfectly crispy on the outside, while the filling stays juicy and flavorful.
Versatile: It works as a snack, appetizer, or a full meal. Serve it with a side of tzatziki or your favorite dip for a complete experience.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this dish are simple yet pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

500g ground chicken
150g feta cheese, crumbled
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Cooking

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 pieces of pita bread

Directions

Making this dish is straightforward and can be done in just a few easy steps:

Prepare the Filling: Start by combining the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, mint, and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and mix everything together until well combined.
Stuff the Pitas: Cut each pita in half and gently open the pockets. Stuff each pita half with the chicken and feta mixture. Be sure not to overstuff the pitas and gently seal the edges to keep the filling inside.
Pan-Fry the Pitas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed pitas in the pan and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the pita bread is golden brown and crispy.
Optional Extra Crisp: If you prefer your pitas extra crispy, you can transfer the fried pitas to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake them for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will ensure the pitas get even more crunch.
Serve: Once done, remove the pitas from the pan or oven and serve them warm. Pair with a refreshing dip like tzatziki, hummus, or any sauce of your choice for a complete dish.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy pita with chicken and feta can be enjoyed as a full meal or as part of a larger spread. It’s perfect for sharing at family meals or gatherings. You can also serve it with:

A side of fresh salad to balance the richness of the chicken and feta.
Roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
A dipping sauce such as tzatziki, hummus, or a minty yogurt sauce to complement the crispy texture.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overstuff the Pitas: Be careful not to overstuff the pita pockets, as it can cause them to burst open while cooking. A little filling goes a long way, so aim for an even spread inside each pocket.
Get the Perfect Crisp: The pan-frying step is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture. If you want extra crunch, bake the stuffed pitas in the oven after frying them.
Customize the Filling: If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to switch up the ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for the chicken, or even add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling for more variety.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before stuffing the pitas. This makes it easy to have everything ready when you’re ready to cook.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Leftover crispy pita can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the unstuffed pita pockets in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the pita pockets in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.

Nutritional Information

This dish is quite balanced, offering a good mix of protein from the chicken and feta, along with healthy fats from the olive oil. The fresh herbs and lemon zest add flavor without adding too many calories, making it a relatively light yet filling meal. To make it even healthier, you can use whole wheat pita and add more vegetables to the filling.

Conclusion

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a tasty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish offers bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and the flexibility to customize the ingredients to your liking. The combination of crispy pita and savory chicken filling makes each bite a delight, and with a simple preparation, you can enjoy this dish in no time.

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta: A Delicious Middle Eastern-Inspired Dish