Description
These Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Slaw feature oven-baked, spiced chicken pieces paired with a fresh, creamy cabbage slaw made from yogurt and herbs. Easy to prepare and perfect for a light, healthy summer meal, these pitas are packed with flavor and texture, combining caramelized chicken with crisp slaw and creamy avocado.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
Herby Ranch Slaw
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or non-dairy alternative
- 1/4 cup dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chives, minced
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded
To Serve
- 2-3 pitas
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425º F, preferably using convection mode for even cooking and better caramelization of the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Add the lemon slices and toss thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade.
- Bake the Chicken: Spread the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper roasting. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss or flip the chicken pieces to promote even cooking and caramelization. Continue baking for an additional 4 to 7 minutes until the chicken is crisp and caramelized on the edges.
- Make the Herby Ranch Slaw: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the yogurt, chopped dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Add the shredded cabbage and toss everything until well combined. Let the slaw sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften slightly.
- Assemble the Pitas: Warm the pitas briefly in the microwave to soften them. Stuff each pita with a generous amount of herby ranch slaw, topped with the caramelized chicken pieces and cubed avocado for creaminess and added texture.
Notes
- Using convection mode in the oven helps the chicken caramelize better and cooks it evenly.
- Letting the slaw sit before serving enhances the flavor and softens the cabbage slightly.
- You can substitute the plain yogurt with a non-dairy alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the baking sheet for best roasting results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity if you prefer less or more heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
