Flavor-Packed Chicken Pitas (Printable)

Juicy spiced chicken in warm pita with crisp, creamy herby ranch slaw for a vibrant satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder
07 - ½ tsp dried oregano
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
10 - Juice of ½ lemon

→ For the Creamy Herby Ranch Slaw

11 - 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
12 - 1 cup shredded carrots
13 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - ½ cup mayonnaise
15 - 3 tbsp buttermilk or plain yogurt
16 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
19 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
20 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
21 - ½ tsp salt
22 - ¼ tsp black pepper
23 - 1 tsp lemon juice

→ For Assembly

24 - 4 pita breads, warmed
25 - Optional: sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, extra fresh herbs

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for 10–15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, parsley, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated with dressing.
04 - Cut pitas in half to form pockets or leave whole and layer fillings. Fill each pita with sliced chicken and a generous heap of ranch slaw. Add optional toppings like cucumbers or tomatoes. Garnish with extra herbs if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The homemade ranch slaw transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary with just a few minutes of prep
  • You get that satisfying crunch and creaminess combination that makes every bite feel complete
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside instead of running onto your cutting board
  • The slaw actually gets better after sitting for 30 minutes, so feel free to make it first and let it hang out
  • Warming the pitas makes all the difference between a good sandwich and a great one
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the spices form a better crust
  • Double the slaw recipe and keep the extra for tacos the next day
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