If you’re searching for a dish that’s absolutely bursting with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta. This irresistible recipe takes golden, crackly pita and layers it with juicy chicken, creamy tangy feta, and all the bright, briny toppings your heart could desire. It’s speedy enough for a weeknight but so delicious and vibrant that you’ll want to serve it to guests—or maybe just savor it all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is just how effortlessly these simple ingredients come together. Every component brings its own texture and sparkle, making each bite craveable without any fuss or hard-to-find items.
- Pita breads: These form the irresistible crispy base and hold all the glorious toppings together.
- Olive oil: A brush of extra-virgin olive oil helps the pita turn golden and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, this keeps things satisfying and protein-packed—rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
- Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty, feta melts gently to create pockets of crave-worthy flavor.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of bite and a pop of gorgeous color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, the halved tomatoes make every slice sparkle with freshness.
- Kalamata olives: For a signature Mediterranean touch, these bring a rich, briny contrast that ties the flavors together.
- Dried oregano: Just a sprinkle brings that classic herbaceous aroma that instantly transports you to Greece.
- Salt and pepper: The final little seasoning to make all the flavors sing.
- Plain Greek yogurt: A cool drizzle over the top adds creaminess and balances every warm, toasty bite.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a hit of fresh, vibrant green at the finish.
How to Make Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pita
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab the pita breads and brush both sides with olive oil. This little step is magic—it gives you that shatteringly crisp base that’s key for the ultimate Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta. Arrange the pitas on a baking sheet in a single layer so they toast up evenly.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Pop the oiled pita into the oven, and let them bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through so both sides turn golden and crunch up perfectly. When they’re ready, you’ll be able to hear the crisp when you tap them lightly—no soggy bottoms here!
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Take the baked pitas out, and now for the fun part: pile on the cooked chicken, scatter over the crumbled feta, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Sprinkle everything with oregano, salt, and pepper. These layers are what make Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta so crave-worthy—each bite is tangy, savory, and full of color.
Step 4: Warm and Melt
Slide the topped pitas back into the oven for another 5 to 6 minutes. This final bake toasts the edges, gently melts the feta, and warms all the toppings until they’re just irresistible. Don’t stray too far—this second quick bake is essential to meld the flavors while keeping the pita perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the pitas are out of the oven, give them a generous drizzle of plain Greek yogurt right on top. If you’d like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything to add brightness and extra Mediterranean flair. Serve immediately, while the pitas are still crisp and all those lovely toppings are at their very best.
How to Serve Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta
Garnishes
A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt is classic, but you can also experiment with a squeeze of lemon or a little tzatziki for more zing. A scatter of chopped fresh parsley makes the colors pop, and if you want to add a peppery bite, toss a handful of baby arugula or spinach over the top after baking.
Side Dishes
Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta pairs beautifully with a classic Greek salad, some marinated cucumbers, or roasted lemon potatoes. For something light, try serving with a bowl of herby tabbouleh or a tangle of quick-pickled veggies. These sides round out the meal and make it feel like a proper Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each pita whole for a meal, or slice them into wedges for a hearty appetizer. Arrange the wedges on a platter with extra yogurt and lemon wedges on the side for dipping. For a lunchbox idea, wrap slices in parchment paper—this way, Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is perfectly portable and still totally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare!), let the pitas cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a bit of their crispness but will still taste fantastic reheated.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked topped pitas for a quick meal later. Layer parchment between them and wrap tightly in plastic before freezing for up to a month. For best results, bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes of oven time.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crisp, reheat the pita on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 7-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the bread and make it less enjoyable. Finish with a fresh drizzle of yogurt once heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While pita is classic, flatbreads like naan or lavash work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the baking time based on thickness, and enjoy experimenting with different textures.
How can I make Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Roasted chickpeas or white beans also make a fantastic protein-rich substitute that soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors.
What’s the best way to keep the pita ultra-crispy?
Brushing both sides with olive oil is the key! Also, don’t overload with toppings, and make sure to serve immediately after that final bake. If you’re prepping ahead, always reheat in the oven to revive the crisp factor.
Can I add more toppings to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to get creative—add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. This Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta recipe welcomes your favorite Mediterranean-inspired additions.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese or leave it out altogether, and use a plant-based yogurt for drizzling. You still get all the vibrant flavors and textures without any dairy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as colorful, satisfying, and easy as it is delicious, Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta is calling your name. Give it a try soon, play around with your favorite toppings, and watch this Mediterranean favorite become a new staple at your table!
Print
Crispy Pita with Chicken & Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean with this crispy pita topped with savory chicken, tangy feta, and a variety of fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Pita Bread:
- 4 pita breads
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Chicken & Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the pitas: Brush both sides of each pita with olive oil and bake on a sheet until golden and crisp.
- Add toppings: Top pitas with chicken, feta, red onion, tomatoes, olives, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Finish baking: Return to the oven until toppings are warmed and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle with Greek yogurt, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add arugula or baby spinach for a fresh finish.
- For extra flavor, mix lemon juice and garlic into the Greek yogurt topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
