Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy feta cheese inside golden, crispy pita pockets. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

The image shows four golden-brown, pan-fried turnovers on a white plate, arranged in a close pile with two turnovers cut in half to reveal the filling. Each turnover has a crispy outer crust with some darker browned spots, showing a slightly rough texture. Inside, there are two visible layers: a creamy white cheese mixed with chopped green herbs and tender pieces of browned chicken, all packed tightly together. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the warm tones of the crispy crust and the fresh colors of the filling. 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 ground chicken, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh mint, and parsley. Season with salt and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Slice each pita bread in half to create pockets, then gently open them. Spoon the chicken and feta filling evenly inside each pocket and seal the edges carefully to keep the filling secure.
  3. 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 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the pita turns golden brown and crisp.
  4. Step 4: For extra crispiness, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After frying, transfer the crisped pitas to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove the crisp pita pockets from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm, ideally with a side of refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh herbs generously to enhance the flavor and freshness of the filling.
  • Substitute chicken mince with lamb mince for a richer taste.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes in the filling for a spicy kick.
  • Serve with a simple cucumber-yogurt salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pita from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds three golden brown, crispy stuffed pastries with a slightly uneven, bubbled surface showing darker toasted spots. One pastry is cut in half and rested on top of another, revealing two visible layers inside: a creamy white cheese layer mixed with green herb leaves, and a light brown grilled chicken piece. The pastry dough outside is flaky and golden, with small green herb bits scattered on top. The overall setting is 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 few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. This makes assembly quicker.

Is it possible to bake the filled pita without frying first?

While frying gives the pita a nice golden crust, you can bake the stuffed pita pockets directly at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Print

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta combines lean ground chicken, creamy feta, fresh herbs, and bold lemon flavors inside crunchy, golden pita pockets. This delicious recipe features seared and oven-finished pita arayes that deliver a satisfying, flavorful feast perfect for a quick meal or entertaining guests.

  • Author: rami
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 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)
  • Salt (To taste)

For Cooking

  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (For frying)
  • 4 pieces Pita Bread (Outer layer for filling)

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, fresh mint, and parsley. Season the mixture with salt to taste and mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Stuff the Pitas: Slice each piece of pita bread in half carefully to create pockets. Gently open each pocket and spoon the prepared chicken and feta filling inside, then seal the edges gently to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.
  3. Pan-Fry the Pita Pockets: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed pita pockets into the pan. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  4. Oven-Bake for Extra Crispiness: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the fried pita pockets to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the pita pockets become extra crispy and thoroughly cooked inside.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the pita pockets from the oven and let them cool for about a minute. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce or your favorite accompaniment for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Be careful when slicing the pita bread to avoid tearing the pockets.
  • Use lean chicken mince to reduce grease and improve texture.
  • Fresh herbs like mint and parsley add brightness and freshness.
  • Oven baking after frying enhances crispiness and ensures even cooking.
  • Serve with tzatziki sauce or a light salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Crispy pita, chicken mince, feta cheese, Mediterranean, arayes, stuffed pita, fried pita pockets, healthy chicken recipe

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