Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This chicken pitta bread recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a healthy, homemade meal that’s both incredibly flavorful and easy to customize to your liking. Perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or even a light supper, this recipe is a staple in our house, and I'm sure it will become one of your go-to easy recipes too!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large pitta breads
- Salad leaves (e.g., lettuce, spinach)
- Your favorite toppings (e.g., hummus, tzatziki, cucumber, tomato)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Combine the cooked chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Pittas
Warm the pitta breads according to package instructions (you can heat them in a dry skillet, oven, or microwave). Fill each pitta with the chicken and vegetable mixture, salad leaves, and your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pitta Bread:
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This is a great way to elevate even the simplest recipes.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and browns properly. Working in batches might be necessary.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination! Consider adding feta cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, or a dollop of yogurt.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This makes for a super quick and easy lunch or dinner option during busy days.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Pitta: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier kick.
- Mediterranean Chicken Pitta: Add chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- BBQ Chicken Pitta: Use BBQ sauce instead of paprika and cumin for a smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This chicken pitta bread recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a versatile and customizable dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!