Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal combining tender, seasoned chicken with crisp roasted vegetables and a creamy, fresh herb ranch dressing, all cooked conveniently on one sheet pan for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips or cubes
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into thin strips
Herby Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Marinade & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread
- 4 soft pita bread pockets
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: Cut the chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes for even cooking. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or oregano to infuse flavor.
- Chop the Vegetables: Slice bell peppers and red onion into thin strips to roast alongside the chicken, adding sweetness and texture.
- Assemble on the Sheet Pan: Spread the marinated chicken pieces and sliced vegetables evenly on a large sheet pan in a single layer for optimal roasting.
- Roast to Perfection: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender with slight char.
- Prepare the Herby Ranch: While roasting, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with finely chopped parsley, dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a creamy herb dressing.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Wrap pita breads in foil and heat in the oven during the last 5 minutes of roasting or warm briefly in a skillet until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Pitas: Fill each pita pocket generously with the roasted chicken and vegetables, drizzle with herby ranch dressing, fold, and serve.
Notes
- Cut chicken and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space for roasting rather than steaming.
- Chop fresh herbs finely and add them last to keep their bright flavor.
- Choose soft, fresh pita bread that holds the filling without tearing.
- For extra creamy ranch, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to the dressing.
- Leftovers store well in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita with filling
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: sheet pan chicken, chicken pitas, herby ranch, easy dinner, one pan meal, roasted vegetables, weeknight dinner, quick recipe