Spicy Chicken Pita
Spicy Chicken Pita features tender marinated chicken strips seasoned with aromatic spices, served in pita bread with creamy horseradish mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon horseradish ⓘ
- 4 to 6 pita bread ⓘ
- lettuce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into small strips and marinate in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes or more.
- Combine dried thyme, white pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Add marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and cook until fully done.
- Mix mayonnaise and horseradish together to make the spread.
- Spread the horseradish mayonnaise in pita bread.
- Add cooked chicken, lettuce, and tomato slices inside the pita.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight instead of just 30 minutes. If you want a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the filling. You can substitute the teriyaki sauce with a homemade soy sauce mixture for a different taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the freshness of the pita.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy chicken pitas are great on their own but pair well with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh Mediterranean salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a bowl of Spicy Tomato Soup for a warming contrast. Feel free to add more toppings like sliced cucumbers or feta cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it may make the chicken rubbery. You can also enjoy the chicken cold in salads or wraps.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Pita contains roughly 1196 calories, with 17g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (238% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 685mg per serving (30% 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 other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for tofu, which needs to be cooked until golden and warm throughout.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. The cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely for a milder version. Additionally, using a less spicy teriyaki sauce can help control the overall heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Prepare the horseradish mayonnaise in advance as well, and keep it refrigerated. Just assemble the pitas when you're ready to serve for the freshest taste.
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).