Chicken Ranch Pitas

Chicken Ranch Pitas Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Ranch Pitas are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken strips with a creamy ranch dressing, crisp vegetables, and warm pita bread. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option that the whole family will love.

History

The combination of chicken and ranch dressing has been a popular flavor pairing for many years. This recipe takes that classic flavor combination and puts a unique twist on it by serving it in a pita pocket. The result is a portable and convenient meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or on-the-go lunches.

Ingredients

Chicken

8 oz (227 g) boneless skinless chicken breast strips
0.5 (1 oz (28 g)) envelope dry ranch salad dressing mix
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Sandwiches

4 (6 to 7 inches) pita fold breads
4 cup torn romaine lettuce
0.5 cup red bell pepper strips
4 onion slices, halved, separated
0.33 cup Land o Lakes ® sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
3 tbsp milk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Coat the chicken pieces with 2 tsp of salad dressing mix.
Heat oil in an 8 or 10-inch skillet and add the chicken pieces.
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned (5 to 7 minutes).
Cover and continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink (5 to 7 minutes).
Uncover and let it cool slightly.
Meanwhile, wrap the pita breads in aluminum foil.
Bake for 4 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
Meanwhile, combine lettuce, red bell pepper, and onions in a medium bowl.
Stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and the remaining salad dressing mix in a small bowl.
Stir in milk.
Pour the mixture over the lettuce and toss lightly.
Add the chicken and toss gently to coat.
Spoon the chicken mixture into warm pitas.
Fold them in half and secure with toothpicks, if desired.

Make-ahead tip

Prepare and cook the chicken mixture up to 1 day ahead.
Just before serving, place the chicken mixture in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with waxed paper.
Microwave on medium (50% power) until the mixture is warmed (2 to 3 minutes).
Heat the pita breads as directed above.
Continue assembling the pitas as directed above.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or avocado to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.
Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the ranch dressing mix for maximum flavor.

- Cooking the chicken in a skillet ensures that it stays tender and juicy.

- Heating the pita bread in the oven helps to warm it through and make it more pliable for folding.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Ranch Pitas with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken in a skillet ensures that it stays tender and juicy.

- Wrapping the pita bread in foil and heating it in the oven helps to warm it through and make it more pliable for folding.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.

- Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.

- Use whole wheat pita bread for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare and cook the chicken mixture up to 1 day ahead. Just reheat in the microwave before assembling the pitas.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Ranch Pitas on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Ranch Pitas with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Ranch Pitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Ranch Pitas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Ranch Pitas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Ranch Pitas contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Ranch Pitas contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Ranch Pitas are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, mayonnaise) and wheat (pita bread).

Summary

Chicken Ranch Pitas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Ranch Pitas are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option. With tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crisp vegetables, and warm pita bread, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a dreary afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a colorful picture caught my eye – Chicken Ranch Pitas. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing all stuffed inside a warm pita bread was simply irresistible.

I had never made anything quite like it before, but I was determined to give it a try. I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, taking note of each step. The recipe seemed fairly straightforward, but there were a few components that I had never worked with before, such as making my own ranch dressing from scratch.

I decided to start by marinating the chicken in a blend of herbs and spices, just as the recipe instructed. I let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the meat. As the chicken marinated, I set to work on making the ranch dressing. I whisked together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and a variety of seasonings until the dressing was smooth and creamy.

Once the chicken had marinated and the ranch dressing was prepared, it was time to cook the chicken. I heated a skillet over medium-high heat and added the marinated chicken, cooking it until it was golden brown and cooked through. The scent of the herbs and spices filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

With the chicken cooked and the ranch dressing ready, all that was left to do was assemble the pitas. I carefully sliced open the warm pita bread and filled it with the cooked chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of the homemade ranch dressing. The result was a beautiful, delicious pita that was bursting with flavor and freshness.

As I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was a keeper. The tangy ranch dressing paired perfectly with the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a satisfying and flavorful meal.

I made Chicken Ranch Pitas for my family that evening, and they were met with rave reviews. My husband and children devoured their pitas, savoring each bite and proclaiming it one of the best meals I had ever made. From that day on, Chicken Ranch Pitas became a regular dish in our household, a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Ranch Pitas countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my tastes or experimenting with different variations. I have added avocado slices for extra creaminess, swapped out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option, and even tried different types of bread for the pita.

But no matter how I choose to customize the recipe, the core elements of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing remain the same. Chicken Ranch Pitas has become a signature dish of mine, a recipe that I am proud to share with others and pass down to future generations.

I often think back to that dreary afternoon when I first discovered the recipe for Chicken Ranch Pitas in my grandmother's old cookbook. It was a moment of inspiration and discovery, a turning point in my culinary journey. And as I continue to cook and create in the kitchen, I am grateful for the lessons and traditions that have been passed down to me, shaping me into the cook I am today.