Oriental Chicken Pita

Oriental Chicken Pita Recipe - Delicious Asian-inspired Meal

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Oriental Chicken Pita is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of water chestnuts. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

The Oriental Chicken Pita recipe is inspired by traditional Asian flavors and ingredients. It combines the use of teriyaki sauce, ginger, and water chestnuts to create a unique and tasty dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of cooked white chicken meat, chopped
0.5 cup of canned crushed unsweetened pineapple, well drained
0.33 cup of chopped celery
0.33 cup of canned chopped water chestnuts, drained
0.33 cup of chopped green pepper
0.25 cup of creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp of teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
0.25 tsp of onion powder
0.13 tsp of dry mustard
1 cup of alfalfa sprouts
leaf lettuce
4 oat bran pita rounds

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken, pineapple, celery, water chestnuts, and green pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, teriyaki sauce, lemon juice, ginger, onion powder, and dry mustard.
Add the peanut butter dressing to the chicken salad mixture.
Line half of a pita round with a lettuce leaf and fill it with alfalfa sprouts and the chicken salad.

Variations

You can add a spicy kick to the chicken salad by adding sriracha or chili flakes.
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the canned pineapple and water chestnuts well to avoid excess liquid in the salad.

- You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or toppings to the chicken salad mixture.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Oriental Chicken Pita with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh fruit salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is mixing the chicken salad ingredients together and filling the pita rounds with the mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have teriyaki sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute.

- You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken salad mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the pita sandwiches just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas

To make the Oriental Chicken Pita more visually appealing, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a refreshing glass of iced green tea or a light Asian-inspired salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken salad mixture until warmed through before assembling the pita sandwiches.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 320

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and wheat (from the pita rounds).

Summary

This Oriental Chicken Pita recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a meal.

Summary

Oriental Chicken Pita is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Oriental Chicken Pita. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Anna in her cozy kitchen. We had been friends for many years, and she was known for her delicious cooking. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

Anna greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today," she said, as she pulled out a piece of paper from her recipe box. "It's for Oriental Chicken Pita. I learned it from my friend Maria, who picked it up while traveling in Asia."

I watched intently as Anna walked me through the steps of the recipe. She marinated the chicken in a savory mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then grilled it to perfection. The smell of the sizzling chicken filled the room, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As Anna assembled the pita, she added a generous helping of crunchy cabbage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy hoisin sauce. The combination of flavors and textures was like nothing I had ever tasted before. I took my first bite and was instantly hooked.

From that day on, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I asked Anna for the recipe, and she gladly handed it over. I made it my mission to perfect the art of making Oriental Chicken Pita.

I began by gathering all the necessary ingredients, making sure to use only the freshest produce and highest quality chicken. I marinated the chicken just like Anna had shown me, allowing the flavors to meld together for maximum taste.

As the chicken grilled on the barbecue, I prepared the other components of the dish. I chopped the vegetables with precision, ensuring that each piece was uniform in size. I mixed together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of honey to create a mouthwatering sauce that would tie everything together.

Once the chicken was cooked to perfection, I assembled the pita with care and attention to detail. I placed a generous portion of chicken on a warm pita bread, followed by a colorful array of vegetables and a drizzle of the savory sauce. The final touch was a sprinkling of sesame seeds for added crunch.

I took a bite of my creation and was transported back to that sunny day in Anna's kitchen. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, if not better. I knew that I had truly mastered the art of making Oriental Chicken Pita.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time receiving rave reviews. The dish has become a staple in my household, and I never tire of making it.

Every time I cook Oriental Chicken Pita, I am reminded of that fateful day in Anna's kitchen. It was the beginning of a culinary journey that has brought me so much joy and satisfaction. I am grateful to Anna for introducing me to this recipe, and to Maria for sharing her knowledge with us.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming hot pita filled with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. And I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.