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Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

4.6 from 58 reviews

This Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta recipe features tender chicken mince mixed with creamy feta, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, all stuffed inside pita pockets and cooked to golden perfection. The combination of pan-frying followed by baking delivers a delightful crunch with a juicy, flavorful filling. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, served warm alongside a cool tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling 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)
  • 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 chicken mince, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the fresh chopped mint and parsley. Add salt to taste and mix everything thoroughly to create a well-incorporated filling.
  2. Prepare the Pita Pockets: Slice the pita breads in half carefully to create pockets without tearing. Gently open each pita pocket and spoon the chicken and feta mixture inside. Seal the edges gently to contain the filling.
  3. Pan-Fry the Stuffed Pitas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the stuffed pita pockets in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the pita is golden brown and crispy, ensuring the filling is cooked through.
  4. Bake for Extra Crispiness: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the fried pita pockets onto a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step enhances crispiness and fully warms the filling.
  5. Serve: Remove the crispy pita with chicken and feta from the oven and allow to cool for a minute. Serve warm, ideally alongside a refreshing tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken mince is fully cooked by frying thoroughly before baking.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh is unavailable, but fresh offers better flavor.
  • For a lighter version, bake the stuffed pitas without frying first, though crispiness may be less.
  • Tzatziki or a simple yogurt dip pairs excellently with this dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Crispy pita, chicken mince, feta cheese, Mediterranean recipe, stuffed pita, pan-fried pita, healthy dinner, easy lunch