Cheese And Chicken Pitas: The Perfect Melty Combination

Chicken pitas are a versatile dish that can be stuffed with various ingredients to make a delicious and satisfying meal. While there are many options for what cheese to use in chicken pitas, a popular choice is feta cheese. Feta adds a creamy, salty flavour to the pita and pairs well with other common ingredients such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. For those who want a more indulgent option, grilled halloumi can be a great addition to a chicken pita. Halloumi has a high melting point, which means it can be grilled or pan-fried to add a crispy, golden texture to the sandwich.

For those who prefer milder cheeses, a simple option is to use a basic cheese such as grated cheddar or mozzarella. These cheeses can be combined with other ingredients such as chorizo or pepperoni to add more flavour to the pita. Another option is to use a cream cheese or yoghurt-based sauce, such as tzatziki, which can add a cool, creamy element to the sandwich.

Ultimately, the best cheese for chicken pitas depends on personal preference and the other ingredients being used.

Feta cheese

Feta is a great source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. It is also lower in fat and calories than many other cheeses, so it can be a healthier option. The tangy taste of feta pairs well with the other ingredients commonly found in chicken pitas, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.

When using feta in chicken pitas, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. For example, feta can be paired with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill to enhance its flavour. It also goes well with other Mediterranean ingredients like olives, hummus, and tzatziki sauce.

Feta can be crumbled or cubed and added directly to the pita, or it can be mixed with other ingredients to make a spread or filling. For instance, feta can be blended with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic to make a tzatziki-like sauce. This sauce can then be drizzled over the chicken pita, adding moisture and flavour.

In addition to its use as a topping or filling, feta cheese can also be baked or fried to create a crispy snack. For example, feta can be stuffed and rolled in thin filo pastry, brushed with chilli honey, and baked to create fried feta rolls. These can be served as a side dish or appetizer alongside chicken pitas.

Greek yoghurt

Marinade

Tzatziki Sauce

Topping

So, whether you use it as a marinade, a sauce, or a topping, Greek yoghurt is a versatile and delicious ingredient to include in your chicken pitas.

Halloumi

When grilling halloumi, keep a close eye on it, as it cooks quickly and can burn easily. It is best served as warm as possible. Halloumi can be grilled or pan-fried, and its high melting point means it browns beautifully without losing its structure.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2" pieces
• 8 oz halloumi, sliced into 1/4-1/2 inch thick pieces
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 roma tomatoes, sliced into thin half-moons
• 2 watermelon radishes, sliced thin
• 1 cup romaine, chopped and tossed with juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp olive oil, and salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin
• 1 lemon, juiced, plus more wedges for serving
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 5 oz plain Greek yoghurt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided, plus one tsp

Instructions:

• Combine yoghurt, minced garlic, juice of 1/2 lemon, and salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Season to taste and place in the refrigerator until ready to assemble pitas.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until cooked through and beginning to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
• Carefully wipe out the Dutch oven, bring heat back up to medium, and pour in another tbsp of olive oil. Add sliced halloumi and sear for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to take on colour. Flip and sear for an additional 30 seconds.
• To assemble, warm pitas (if desired) and spread a couple of spoonfuls of yoghurt sauce on top. Layer with seasoned lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, radish, chicken, halloumi, onion, parsley, and more yoghurt sauce.
• Serve pitas with additional lemon wedges.

Tzatziki

Making tzatziki is simple. First, peel and de-seed a cucumber, then grate it and squeeze out the excess liquid. Next, combine Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, dill, and olive oil in a bowl. Finally, stir in the cucumber, cover the bowl, and chill the tzatziki in the fridge. It's best to leave the sauce to sit for a few hours to allow the flavours to develop.

When assembling the chicken pitas, spread a generous amount of tzatziki on the pita bread. Then, add the chicken, vegetables, and any other toppings.

Grated carrot

Carrot-Yogurt Sauce

For a more creamy and savoury option, you can create a carrot-yogurt sauce. Grate and blend the carrots to create a silky purée, similar to the consistency of tzatziki. Mix this with plain Greek yogurt, a dash of olive oil, and some minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be spread inside your pita or served on the side as a dip.

Spiced Carrot Pitas

If you're looking for a heartier option, you can incorporate grated carrot directly into your pita filling. Sauté grated carrot with some olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions. This mixture can then be stuffed inside your pita with the chicken, providing a more substantial bite.

Carrot and Chicken Pita Pockets

For a quick and easy option, you can simply mix grated carrot with cubed or shredded chicken. Add some sliced onions, and a dressing of your choice, such as a yogurt or tzatziki sauce. Stuff this mixture into pita pockets, and you've got a tasty and healthy sandwich.

Baked Carrot Chicken Pitas

Frequently asked questions