Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce

Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the classic flavors of a Waldorf salad with a creamy and flavorful curried yogurt sauce. This recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

History

The Waldorf salad was first created in the late 1800s at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. It was originally made with apples, celery, and mayonnaise, and later variations included ingredients such as grapes, walnuts, and chicken. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic Waldorf salad and adds a twist with the addition of a tangy and aromatic curried yogurt sauce.

Ingredients

2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned, cooked and cubed
0.5 cup italian dressing
1 medium green apple, cubed
0.25 cup thinly sliced celery
0.25 cup sliced almonds, toasted
3 tbsp raisins
2 california avocados, seeded, peeled and cubed
4 pita breads, halved
8 pieces curly green-leaf lettuce
cherry tomatoes, optional

Curried yogurt sauce

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
0.5 tsp to 1 tsp curry powder
0.25 tsp mace

How to prepare

Prepare the curried yogurt sauce.
Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 4 to 8 hours.
Stir in the apple, celery, almonds, and raisins.
Add the curried yogurt sauce.
Gently fold in the avocados.
Place lettuce in pita halves and fill them with the chicken mixture.
Garnish with tomato sauce preparation by stirring the ingredients together.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add diced grapes or dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the chicken mixture will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Be sure to gently fold in the avocados to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Serve the chicken mixture in pita halves with a generous amount of lettuce for a satisfying and crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for added flavor.

- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

- Gently fold in the avocados to prevent them from turning brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce.

- Replace the apple with pear or grapes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken and prepare the curried yogurt sauce ahead of time.

- Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Waldorf Pitas on a platter with a garnish of cherry tomatoes. - Arrange the pita halves on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber from the apples, celery, and avocados.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (yogurt), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of a Waldorf salad with a creamy and aromatic curried yogurt sauce. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a cooking class with some friends. The instructor was a talented chef who had traveled the world and learned countless recipes along the way.

As she demonstrated how to make this dish, I was immediately intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures. The sweet and crunchy Waldorf salad mixed with the savory grilled chicken, all wrapped up in a soft pita and drizzled with a creamy curried yogurt sauce. It sounded like a symphony of tastes that would dance on my taste buds.

I watched intently as the chef diced apples, toasted walnuts, and mixed them with grapes, celery, and mayonnaise to create the Waldorf salad. The colors and smells coming from the kitchen were enticing, and I couldn't wait to try the finished product.

Next, she seasoned the chicken with a blend of spices and grilled it to perfection. The aroma of the grilled meat filled the room, making my mouth water in anticipation. Once the chicken was cooked, she sliced it into thin strips and set it aside.

Finally, she showed us how to make the curried yogurt sauce by mixing yogurt with curry powder, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. The sauce was tangy and spicy, adding a zesty kick to the dish.

As we all sat down to eat our creations, I took my first bite of the Chicken Waldorf Pita with Curried Yogurt Sauce. The combination of flavors was even better than I had imagined. The sweet and crunchy Waldorf salad paired perfectly with the savory chicken, and the curried yogurt sauce tied everything together with a burst of exotic spices.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I couldn't wait to make it for my family and friends and share the delicious flavors with them.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add extra grapes or swap out the walnuts for pecans. Other times, I marinate the chicken in a blend of spices before grilling it.

But no matter how I make it, the Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce always brings a smile to the faces of those who taste it. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am proud to share with others.

As I look back on that warm summer day when I first learned to make this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the talented chef who shared her knowledge with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering new recipes like this one is what keeps me inspired in the kitchen.

So the next time you're looking for a delicious and unique dish to impress your guests, consider trying out my recipe for Chicken Waldorf Pitas with Curried Yogurt Sauce. I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy cooking!