Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
There’s something truly magical about a recipe that combines bold flavors with easy prep, and these Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch do just that. Perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish brings together tender, seasoned chicken pieces, fresh veggies, and a creamy herby ranch slaw, all tucked into warm, fluffy pitas. It’s comfort food at its best, embodying that warm, Southern hospitality in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Why should you whip up this recipe? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and quick to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s family-approved—everyone from the little ones to the adults will enjoy it. Plus, it’s adaptable. You can easily throw in whatever veggies you have on hand!
“This has become my go-to meal for busy weeknights. Quick, flavorful, and my kids love it!” – A happy home cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making these Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas is a breeze! The chicken is seasoned, roasted to perfection, and served with a refreshing slaw—a perfect combination. You’ll have your work done in just a few easy steps, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade pitas without much fuss.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious pitas:
- 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
Feel free to switch up the herbs or use a flavored yogurt to give the slaw a new twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and olive oil. Add lemon slices and mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Spread the chicken and lemons on a sheet pan and roast for 15 minutes. Toss the chicken for even cooking and roast for an additional 4–7 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Fold in shredded cabbage and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Warm the pitas in the oven or microwave. Fill each pita with slaw, topped with roasted chicken and avocado cubes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These pitas are incredibly versatile! Serve them with a side of roasted veggies for a hearty meal, or consider a simple green salad for a lighter option. You could also add a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a little extra heat!
How to Store
Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten chicken and slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and warm the pitas just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Extra Advice
For even faster prep, consider marinating the chicken the night before or using a rotisserie chicken if you’re in a real rush. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, swap out the pita for lettuce wraps or gluten-free pita.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with flavors! You could replace the dill with cilantro for a Mexican-inspired twist or use a spicy yogurt sauce instead of ranch for a kick. Add roasted bell peppers or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.
Common Questions
-
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, with a total cooking time of around 20-25 minutes. -
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pitas or lettuce wraps. -
How can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat chicken on the stove or in the microwave, and warm the pitas just before serving.
There you have it—Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch bring together simplicity, flavor, and comfort in one delicious bite. You’ll find them on your kitchen table time and time again!