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Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe

4.8 from 135 reviews

A delicious and crispy pita stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lean chicken mince, creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, pan-fried to golden perfection and finished in the oven for extra crispiness. Perfectly paired with a refreshing side of tzatziki sauce, this Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta offers a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat.

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

Cooking

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

Serving Suggestion

  • Tzatziki Sauce, as desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and minced garlic. Add lemon juice and lemon zest to the mixture, then stir in fresh mint and parsley. Season all ingredients with salt and mix thoroughly until well combined to ensure even flavor throughout.
  2. Assemble the stuffed pitas: Slice each pita bread in half horizontally to create pockets. Gently open each pocket, being careful not to tear the bread. Spoon the chicken and feta filling evenly into each pita pocket, then seal the edges slightly to keep the filling contained during cooking.
  3. Pan-fry the stuffed pitas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed pita pockets into the pan. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the pita bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the chicken inside is cooked through.
  4. Finish in the oven: For an extra crispy texture, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After frying, transfer the crisped pita pockets onto a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure the filling is fully cooked and the bread achieves a perfect crunch.
  5. Serve: Remove the crispy pita with chicken and feta from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a minute or two. Serve warm alongside a side of refreshing tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.

Notes

  • Using lean chicken mince helps keep the filling tender without excess fat.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if unavailable, but fresh mint and parsley provide the best flavor.
  • Ensure the pita pockets are sealed gently but securely before frying to prevent filling from spilling.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, try grilling the stuffed pita after the initial pan-frying step instead of baking.
  • Tzatziki sauce pairs wonderfully with this dish, but you can also enjoy it with hummus or a simple yogurt dip.

Keywords: crispy pita, chicken mince, feta cheese, Mediterranean recipe, pan-fried pita, stuffed pita, healthy chicken recipe, herb-filled pita