Description
These Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Slaw are a light and healthy summer meal featuring oven-baked, caramelized chicken pieces paired with a creamy, fresh herb and yogurt-based cabbage slaw. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner or lunch.
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
- 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
- 2-3 pitas
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425º F, preferably using the convection mode for better heat circulation and caramelization.
- Prepare chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and olive oil. Add lemon slices and toss everything again to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Bake chicken: Spread the chicken out evenly on a sheet pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan so the chicken roasts rather than steams. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss the chicken pieces to promote even cooking and caramelization.
- Finish baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 4-7 minutes, until the chicken is crisp on the edges and caramelized.
- Make the slaw: While the chicken is baking, combine the plain yogurt, finely chopped dill, parsley, minced chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Add the shredded cabbage and toss well to coat. Let the slaw sit for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the cabbage slightly.
- Warm pitas and assemble: Warm the pitas briefly in the microwave until soft and pliable. Stuff each pita with a generous amount of the herby ranch slaw, oven-baked chicken pieces, and diced ripe avocado.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while the chicken is warm and the slaw fresh and flavorful.
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, avoid overcrowding the sheet pan when baking the chicken to ensure proper caramelization.
- Letting the slaw sit allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the herby flavors.
- Use non-dairy yogurt if a dairy-free alternative is preferred or required.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness if desired.
- See the blog post for more tips and variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
