Flavor-Packed Chicken with Herby Ranch Slaw (Printer View)

Juicy spiced chicken in warm pita with crisp, herb-filled ranch slaw for a vibrant meal

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder
07 - ½ tsp dried oregano
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
10 - Juice of ½ lemon

→ For the Creamy Herby Ranch Slaw

11 - 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
12 - 1 cup shredded carrots
13 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - ½ cup mayonnaise
15 - 3 tbsp buttermilk or plain yogurt
16 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
19 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
20 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
21 - ½ tsp salt
22 - ¼ tsp black pepper
23 - 1 tsp lemon juice

→ For Assembly

24 - 4 pita breads, warmed
25 - Optional: sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, extra fresh herbs

# Method Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 10–15 minutes or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, parsley, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth. Add cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Cut pitas in half to form pockets or leave whole and layer fillings. Fill each pita with sliced chicken, a generous heap of ranch slaw, and optional toppings like cucumbers or tomatoes. Garnish with extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm, spiced chicken and cool, creamy slaw creates that perfect bite every single time
  • This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy lunch spot
02 -
  • The slaw tastes best after sitting for 15 minutes, so make it first and let the flavors mingle
  • Warm pitas are crucial, cold pitas tear and the filling falls out
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of carrot instead of shredding for a more elegant slaw texture
  • If your pitas are thick, carefully slice them open along the edge to create a proper pocket
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