Print

Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Fresh Herb Ranch Slaw

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: sheet pan chicken pitas, herb ranch slaw, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick dinner, healthy pitas, chicken meal prep, gluten free chicken pita