Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Fresh Herb Ranch Slaw
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Fresh Herb Ranch Slaw is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender, perfectly roasted chicken and a vibrant, crunchy herb ranch slaw, all baked together for effortless dinners or lively gatherings. This recipe offers juicy chicken, fresh herbs, and creamy ranch slaw wrapped in warm, fluffy pitas, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture in every bite.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herb Ranch Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh herb ranch dressing (a creamy blend of herbs, yogurt, and ranch spices)
Pitas and Garnishes
- 4 pita breads, halved
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, chopped dill, lemon wedges, pickled onions
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a bright marinade. Coat the chicken breasts evenly and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to soak in all the vibrant flavors.
- Chop and Toss the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, shred the cabbage and carrots finely, then chop fresh parsley and dill. Combine these in a bowl to prepare the base for the fresh herb ranch slaw.
- Roast the Chicken and Pitas on the Sheet Pan: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a lined sheet pan. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the pita bread halves and place them on the sheet as well. Roast everything in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping the pita halves halfway through roasting for a slight crisp.
- Toss the Slaw with Herb Ranch Dressing: Mix the fresh herb ranch dressing into the shredded vegetable mixture, ensuring every bite will be creamy and herbaceous. This slaw provides a cool, textured contrast to the warm chicken and pita.
- Assemble the Pitas: Slice the cooked chicken thinly and layer it inside the warm pita pockets along with a generous spoonful of the fresh herb ranch slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for juicy, evenly cooked meat.
- Slaw Chill Time: Letting the slaw sit for 10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld perfectly.
- Pita Warm-Up: Toast pita lightly before assembling to avoid sogginess and add a subtle crunch.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper to amplify the natural flavors.
- Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs in the ranch dressing for a brighter, more vibrant taste.
- Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- The cooked chicken can be frozen, but avoid freezing the pita and slaw to preserve their texture.
- Reheat chicken gently in the oven or microwave and add fresh slaw after warming the pita to keep the crunch intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita with chicken and slaw
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: sheet pan chicken pitas, herb ranch slaw, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick dinner, healthy pitas, chicken meal prep, gluten free chicken pita