Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Tender chicken combined with creamy feta and fresh herbs is stuffed into pita pockets, then fried and baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.

The image shows four stuffed, golden-brown flatbreads with a crispy, slightly charred outer layer, arranged on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each flatbread is cut in half, revealing two layers of filling inside: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown meat mixture, and the top layer is a white, creamy cheese speckled with small green herbs. The flatbreads have a soft, fluffy interior with a thin, crispy outer crust, and some small green herb pieces are scattered on top. 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

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh mint, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Slice each pita bread in half to create pockets, then carefully open them. Spoon the chicken and feta filling inside each pita pocket and gently seal the edges.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed pita pockets in the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn 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.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the crispy pita rest for a minute. Serve warm, ideally with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the filling.
  • Swap chicken mince for lamb or beef mince for a richer flavor.
  • Use spinach or kale along with herbs for extra greens in the filling.
  • Brush the pita pockets with additional olive oil before frying for a crispier crust.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows four stuffed, golden-brown flatbreads with a slightly crispy outer layer and a soft interior, placed on a white plate. Each flatbread is cut in half or partially open, revealing two main filling layers inside: a crumbly, beige meat layer at the bottom and a creamy, white cheese layer speckled with green herbs on top. The flatbreads are thick, with the outer crust having an uneven toasted texture with some darker spots, and a few small pieces of chopped green herbs are visible on the tops and inside the filling. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and feta filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble and cook the pitas just before serving for best freshness.

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

This dish pairs wonderfully with tzatziki, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A squeeze of extra lemon juice can also enhance the flavors.

Print

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

This Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring a flavorful mixture of lean ground chicken, tangy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, all stuffed inside pita pockets. The pockets are pan-fried until golden and crispy, then baked to perfection, offering a perfect balance of textures and vibrant flavors. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner, served warm with a refreshing tzatziki sauce on the side.

  • Author: Logan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 stuffed pita pockets (serves 4) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Low Fat

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)

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (For frying)
  • 4 pieces Pita Bread (Halved 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, chopped fresh mint, and parsley. Season generously with salt and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Stuff the Pita: Slice each pita bread piece in half to create pockets. Carefully open each pocket and spoon an even amount of the chicken and feta filling inside. Gently press and seal the edges to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
  3. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, ready for frying the stuffed pita pockets.
  4. Pan-Fry the Pita: Place the stuffed pita pockets in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy. This step helps develop a crunchy exterior while cooking the filling lightly.
  5. Bake for Extra Crispiness: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the pan-fried pita pockets onto a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through and the exterior becomes extra crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove the baked pita pockets from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping or spreading, enhancing the flavor profile with a creamy, tangy complement.

Notes

  • Use lean chicken mince for a healthier, tender filling.
  • Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the chicken.
  • Be careful not to overfill the pita pockets to prevent breaking during cooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas or mashed beans.
  • Serve with fresh salad or a yogurt-based dip for a complete meal.
  • Adjust salt according to the saltiness of feta cheese to avoid oversalting.

Keywords: Crispy pita, chicken mince recipe, feta cheese, stuffed pita, Middle Eastern food, crispy sandwich, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe

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