Name: Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips; 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon cumin; 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 pieces pita bread, warmed if desired; Shredded lettuce or mixed greens; 1-2 slices tomato; Optional toppings: crumbled feta, pickled onions, cucumber slices, hot sauce

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized strips)

1 medium red bell pepper (sliced)

1 medium yellow bell pepper (sliced)

1 medium red onion (sliced)

2 tablespoons olive oil (to toss with chicken and veggies)

2 teaspoons garlic powder (for seasoning)

2 teaspoons paprika (for seasoning)

1 teaspoon dried oregano (for seasoning)

0.5 teaspoon cumin (for seasoning)

0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

0.5 cup mayonnaise

0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for tang)

2 tablespoons milk (to thin the ranch)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried dill

1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onion (chopped)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (for ranch seasoning)

1 teaspoon onion powder (for ranch seasoning)

1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (for acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste (for ranch)

4 pieces pitas (warm before serving, if desired)

Shredded lettuce or mixed greens (for stuffing)

1–2 slices tomato (for stuffing)

Optional toppings: crumbled feta, pickled onions, cucumber, hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, milk, parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the herby ranch. Adjust seasonings to taste and chill in the fridge.

Step 3: On a large sheet pan, toss the chicken strips, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well coated.

Step 4: Spread the chicken and vegetables out in a single layer on the sheet pan.

Step 5: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Warm the pitas if desired. Slice each pita in half or keep whole.

Step 7: Fill the pitas with shredded lettuce, the warm roasted chicken and vegetables, tomato slices, and drizzle generously with the herby ranch dressing.

Step 8: Add optional toppings like crumbled feta, pickled onions, cucumber, or hot sauce as desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the seasoning mix and olive oil for 30 minutes before roasting.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter tang in the ranch.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the finished dish for brightness.

Swap chicken for lamb strips or firm tofu for a different protein option.

Use whole wheat or flavored pitas to vary the base.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the herby ranch separate and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and veggies gently in the oven or microwave before stuffing the pitas. Assemble just before serving to keep pitas from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cutting and roasting for even cooking and best texture.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The chili flakes are optional and can be omitted or increased according to your heat preference. The dish is mild without them, making it family-friendly.