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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
