Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
