Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal option, consider this delightful recipe featuring rotisserie chicken and fresh ingredients. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, these pita pockets are filled with creamy avocado, tangy yogurt, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all beautifully balanced with spices and herbs. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this satisfying dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ pound shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
2 avocados, hollowed and cut into small pieces
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon cilantro, divided
1 teaspoon garlic salt
6-8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
4 slices of thin baby Swiss cheese
Juice from half a lemon
4 whole wheat pita pockets
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Prep Time
Prep time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those busy days when you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 4 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 14 minutes. This recipe yields 4 delicious pita pockets, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a meal prep option throughout the week.
Enjoy your tasty and healthy rotisserie chicken pita pockets!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pita Pockets
Place one slice of Swiss cheese into each pita pocket. Ensure the cheese is positioned at the bottom of the pocket for even melting if grilling.
Step 2: Make the Yogurt Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and garlic salt. Stir well until fully combined and set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Combine the Avocado and Tomato
In a medium bowl, combine the hollowed avocado pieces, quartered cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and half of the cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together until the avocado is coated in lemon juice and everything is evenly mixed. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat the Chicken
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and sprinkle with the remaining cilantro. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.
Step 5: Assemble the Pita Pockets
Divide the heated chicken evenly among the prepared pita pockets, placing it on top of the Swiss cheese.
Step 6: Add Yogurt Mixture
Drizzle the yogurt mixture over the chicken in each pita, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 7: Fill with Avocado-Tomato Mixture
Add a generous spoonful of the avocado and tomato mixture into each pita pocket, ensuring that it fills the pocket well and complements the chicken.
Step 8: Serve
You can serve the sandwiches cold, or for a warm version, grill them in a sandwich maker or on a Foreman grill for about 2 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These pita pockets are great served with a side of your favorite dressing or a light salad.
Avocado Ripeness
Ensure that the avocados are ripe for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
Cooking Time
Adjust cooking time based on the heat of your skillet and the quantity of chicken being warmed, aiming for even heating without overcooking.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the yogurt mixture and the avocado-tomato mixture in advance to save time during assembly. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Grilling Options
If grilling, keep an eye on the pockets to prevent them from burning, and consider using cooking spray or a light brush of oil on the grill plates for a better release.
Cook techniques
Slicing Avocados
To hollow and cut avocados into small pieces, first slice the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Ensure to use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Combining Ingredients
Mixing ingredients like Greek yogurt with garlic salt requires gentle folding techniques to maintain the texture. Use a spatula to combine them smoothly without over-mixing.
Cooking Chicken
When heating shredded cooked chicken, use medium heat and stir occasionally for even heating. This ensures the chicken is warmed through without drying out.
Assembly of Pita Pocket
Assemble the pita pockets by layering the ingredients carefully. Start with cheese, followed by the warm chicken, yogurt mixture, and finish with the avocado-tomato mixture for balanced flavors in each bite.
Grilling Techniques
If using a sandwich maker or Foreman grill to warm the pita pockets, preheat the device and grill for about 2 minutes. This will create a warm, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the fillings moist.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with any cheese of your preference, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to grill the pita pockets?
No, grilling is optional. The pita pockets can be served cold or at room temperature if you prefer a lighter sandwich.
What can I do with leftover ingredients?
Leftover ingredients can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. You can use them in salads, wraps, or as a topping for other dishes.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the shredded chicken and replace it with grilled vegetables, chickpeas, or black beans.
Can I prepare the avocado mixture in advance?
It is best to prepare the avocado mixture just before serving to prevent browning. However, adding lime or lemon juice can help keep the mixture fresh for a short time.
Conclusion
This stuffed pita pocket recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal option, combining the flavors of tender rotisserie chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty lemon. The use of Greek yogurt adds a healthy twist while keeping the dish moist and flavorful. Whether enjoyed cold or grilled, these pita pockets offer a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, making them an excellent choice for a quick lunch or snack.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Caesar Pita Pockets
Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled chicken breast, add romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar salad twist.
Veggie & Hummus Pita Pockets
Fill the pita pockets with a mix of roasted bell peppers, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and a generous dollop of hummus for a refreshing vegetarian option.
Buffalo Chicken Pita Pockets
Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, add lettuce and blue cheese crumbles, and serve in the pita pockets for a spicy kick.
Tuna Salad Pita Pockets
Create a hearty tuna salad with canned tuna, Greek yogurt, diced celery, and pickles, then stuff the mixture into the pita pockets for a seafood twist.
Breakfast Pita Pockets
Fill the pita with scrambled eggs, diced tomatoes, and spinach. Top with feta cheese for a healthy breakfast option on the go.
