Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Filled with juicy chicken, tangy feta, and fresh herbs, it’s a delicious twist on traditional stuffed pita breads. The crispy outer layer pairs beautifully with a creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

• 500 g Chicken Mince (Lean, tender choice)
• 150 g Feta Cheese (Creamy, tangy touch)
• 1 medium Red Onion (Finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Brightens the dish)
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest (For added brightness)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Mint (Adds refreshing note)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Mildly peppery flavor)
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil (For frying)
• 4 pieces Pita Bread (Outer layer for filling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh mint, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Step 2: Slice each pita bread in half to create pockets. Carefully open each pocket and spoon the chicken and feta filling inside. Gently press to seal the edges without tearing the bread.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed pita pockets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the pita turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Step 4: For extra crispiness, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After frying, transfer the pita pockets to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and extra crunchy.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce for a delicious and refreshing accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole wheat pita bread for a healthier alternative and nuttier flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or cumin to the filling for a spicy or warm aromatic touch.
• If you prefer, swap chicken mince for turkey or lamb mince for different flavor profiles.
• To save time, prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate before stuffing the pita.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed pita pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving to keep the pita from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the filling?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken mince or shredded chicken, but be sure to mix it well with the other ingredients and adjust seasoning as needed before stuffing the pita.

What can I serve with Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring lean chicken mince combined with tangy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon. Stuffed into pita pockets and pan-fried to golden perfection before finishing in the oven, these crispy arayes serve as a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 500 g Chicken Mince (Lean, tender choice)
• 150 g Feta Cheese (Creamy, tangy touch, crumbled)
• 1 medium Red Onion (Finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Brightens the dish)
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest (For added brightness)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Mint (Chopped, adds refreshing note)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped, mildly peppery flavor)
• Salt (To taste)

For Cooking

• 3 tbsp Olive Oil (For frying)

Other

• 4 pieces Pita Bread (Sliced in half to create pockets)
• Tzatziki Sauce (For serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh mint and parsley. Season the mixture with salt according to taste and mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
2. Stuff the Pitas: Slice each pita bread in half carefully to create pockets. Gently open each pocket and spoon the chicken and feta filling evenly inside, then seal the edges gently to secure the filling.
3. Pan-Fry the Stuffed Pitas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Place the stuffed pita pockets in the skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the pita is golden brown and crispy.
4. Finish in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After frying, transfer the crisped pitas to a baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through and the pitas are extra crispy.
5. Serve: Remove the Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by a side of tzatziki sauce for added flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken mince is lean for a healthier dish.
• You can customize the filling by adding spices like cumin or paprika for an extra flavor dimension.
• If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pita bread.
• Do not overfill the pita pockets to prevent bursting during cooking.
• This recipe can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main meal.

Keywords: Crispy pita, chicken mince, feta cheese, stuffed pita, Middle Eastern, arayes, pan-fried pita, fresh herbs, easy dinner, Mediterranean inspired