Description
A flavorful meal with sweet-spiced baked chicken inside warm pita, paired with creamy, herb-packed ranch slaw and fresh avocado for rich finish. Full of color, texture, and perfect for lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
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
Lemon slices from ½ lemon
Herby Ranch Slaw
½ cup plain yogurt (or non-dairy alternative)
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp minced chives
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
½ small head green cabbage, shredded
To Serve
2–3 pita breads
1 ripe avocado, cubed
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), preferably using convection if possible, to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Add the lemon slices and toss everything together until the chicken pieces are well coated.
Spread the seasoned chicken and lemon slices evenly on a baking sheet, taking care not to overcrowd to allow proper caramelization. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then toss the chicken pieces and bake for an additional 4 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely caramelized on the edges.
While the chicken bakes, prepare the herby ranch slaw. In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, chopped dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and kosher salt until well combined. Add the shredded green cabbage and toss everything together. Let the slaw sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soften and allow the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, warm the pita breads briefly in the microwave or oven until soft and pliable. Fill each pita generously with the herby ranch slaw, the caramelized chicken pieces, and top with cubed ripe avocado for creamy richness.
Notes
Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
Avoid overcrowding pan to ensure caramelization.
Let slaw rest for optimal taste and texture.
Warm pitas for better flavor and pliability.
Adjust cayenne for desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: chicken pita wraps, herby ranch slaw, baked chicken pita, healthy lunch pita, yogurt cabbage slaw recipe