Chicken Pecan Pockets
Chicken Pecan Pockets combine tender chicken, crunchy pecans, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese in pita pockets for a flavorful, easy-to-prepare meal perfect for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen broccoli, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped, pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard ⓘ
- 1 package pita pockets ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chopped, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Mix together chopped pecans, chopped tomatoes, cooked and drained broccoli, chopped olives, Dijon mustard, chopped cooked chicken, chopped avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and honey.
- Fill pita pockets with the mixture and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before mixing them in. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or even a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken pecan pockets with a side of fresh salad or crispy vegetable sticks for a well-rounded meal. A light soup, such as Red Pepper Soup, pairs nicely as a starter. For a nice touch, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the pockets before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the filling gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, but avoid heating the pita pockets to prevent them from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pecan Pockets contains roughly 1057 calories, with 15g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 702mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it easy to assemble the pita pockets when you're ready to eat. Just be sure to store the filling and pita pockets separately to maintain freshness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or incorporate chickpeas for added protein. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).