Name: Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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)

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Introduction

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together tender, flavorful chicken and creamy feta cheese inside a golden, crunchy pita pocket. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, this recipe offers a delightful blend of fresh herbs and zesty lemon that brightens every bite.

The image shows three triangular pieces of flatbread stuffed with a filling, placed overlapping on a white plate. Each flatbread has a golden-brown, slightly crispy outer layer with some darker toasted spots. Inside, there are visible layers of white cheese sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs and chunks of cooked chicken with a light brown sear. The flatbread layers are thin with a soft texture beneath the crispy surface. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped fresh mint, and parsley. Season with salt and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Slice each pita bread in half to create pockets and carefully open them. Spoon the chicken and feta filling into each pita pocket, then gently seal the edges to keep the filling inside.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed pita pockets in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
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 to 15 minutes until thoroughly heated and crunchy.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the crispy pitas cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of tzatziki or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like mint and parsley for the brightest flavor and best texture.
Don’t overfill the pita pockets to prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.
Make sure the oil is hot before frying to achieve a crispy outer layer without absorbing too much oil.
Try adding chopped tomatoes or cucumbers inside the pita for extra freshness and crunch.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken mince with mashed chickpeas or crumbled tofu.

Storage

Store leftover crispy pita pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pita soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows three golden-brown stuffed pockets on a white plate, each with a crispy, slightly charred outer layer. One pocket is cut open, revealing a filling with three main layers: creamy white cheese mixed with fresh dark green herbs, chunks of seasoned grilled chicken with a light tan color and a slightly rough texture, all nestled inside soft, fluffy bread. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled on the pockets' surface. The white plate sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or halloumi for a different flavor profile, but feta offers the perfect balance of creaminess and tang.

Is it possible to bake the pita pockets without frying?

You can skip the frying step and bake the stuffed pita pockets directly in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes. However, frying first helps develop a crispier texture and richer flavor.