Golden, toasted sesame flatbreads filled with spiced grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce—these Sesame Chicken Pita Pockets are the ultimate grab-and-go meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, planning a picnic, or entertaining guests casually, these hand-held delights deliver on both flavor and satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sesame Chicken Pita Pockets offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The juicy, marinated chicken pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt or garlic sauce, all tucked into a warm, nutty flatbread. They’re easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ideal for both everyday meals and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 sesame pita breads or flatbreads
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or garlic sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Lightly warm the sesame pita breads, then cut each one in half to create pockets.
- In each pocket, add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by tomato slices, cucumber, and red onion.
- Fill with the grilled chicken and top with a drizzle of plain yogurt or garlic sauce.
- Finish each pocket with a splash of lemon juice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 (8 filled pita halves)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for heat.
- Different Protein: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for variety.
- Mediterranean Flair: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, or a drizzle of tahini.
- Vegan Option: Use grilled tofu or tempeh and a dairy-free yogurt sauce.
- Herbed Touch: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or mint into the sauce for added freshness.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the vegetables and sauces separate to maintain freshness.
To reheat the chicken, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Assemble the pita pockets just before serving to preserve the texture and flavor.
FAQs
How can I make these pita pockets ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance, then store them separately. Assemble the pockets just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just season it lightly with the listed spices and warm before adding to the pita pockets.
What type of pita works best?
Thicker pita or flatbreads with pockets hold fillings better. Sesame or plain are both suitable.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before using.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but it can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pita or wraps.
What sauces go well besides yogurt or garlic?
Tahini, hummus, or a light vinaigrette also work beautifully with this recipe.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely. Grilling adds extra char and flavor—just ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
How do I prevent the pita from tearing?
Warm the pita before cutting and stuffing; this makes it more pliable and less prone to breaking.
Are there any low-carb alternatives to pita?
Yes, you can use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas as a substitute.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, shredded mozzarella, feta, or even a sharp cheddar can be added for extra richness.
Conclusion
Sesame Chicken Pita Pockets are a versatile, flavorful option for anyone seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. With juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy sauce packed into warm pita, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser. Ideal for lunches, casual dinners, or entertaining, it’s a wholesome, customizable dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Sesame Chicken Pita Pockets
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pains plats dorés au sésame grillé, garnis de poulet grillé épicé, de légumes frais et d’une sauce acidulée au yaourt ou à l’ail. Parfaits pour les déjeuners, les pique-niques ou les repas décontractés.
Ingredients
- 4 pains pita ou pains plats au sésame
- 2 poitrines de poulet, coupées en fines tranches
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile d’olive
- 1 cuillère à café de paprika
- 1/2 cuillère à café de cumin
- 1/2 cuillère à café de poudre d’ail
- 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
- 1/4 cuillère à café de poivre noir
- 1/2 oignon rouge, finement tranché
- 1 tomate, coupée en tranches
- 1/2 concombre, tranché
- 1 tasse de laitue, déchiquetée
- 1/2 tasse de yaourt nature ou de sauce à l’ail
- Jus d’1/2 citron
Instructions
- Dans un bol, mélanger le poulet coupé en tranches avec l’huile d’olive, le paprika, le cumin, l’ail en poudre, le sel et le poivre. Bien mélanger et laisser mariner au moins 20 minutes.
- Faire chauffer une poêle ou un gril à feu moyen-vif. Cuire le poulet 5 à 6 minutes, jusqu’à ce qu’il soit bien cuit et légèrement carbonisé.
- Réchauffez légèrement les pains pita et coupez-les chacun en deux pour former des poches.
- Dans chaque poche, disposez en couches la laitue râpée, la tomate tranchée, le concombre et l’oignon rouge.
- Ajoutez le poulet grillé et arrosez de yaourt ou de sauce à l’ail. Terminez par un filet de jus de citron.
- Servir immédiatement, chaud et croustillant.
Notes
- Le poulet peut être grillé ou poêlé pour différentes textures.
- Utilisez de la sauce à l’ail du commerce ou faite maison pour plus de saveur.
- Personnalisez avec des légumes ou des herbes supplémentaires comme du persil ou de la menthe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled pita pocket
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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