Save to Pinterest Juicy grilled chicken tossed in a creamy garlic ranch sauce, nestled in warm pita bread with crisp vegetables for a satisfying handheld meal.
When I first made these chicken pita sandwiches for a weekend lunch, my family loved how the cool ranch dressing balanced the smoky grilled chicken. It quickly became our go-to for picnics and busy evenings.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Garlic Ranch Sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Sandwich Assembly: 4 pita breads, 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1 medium tomato (thinly sliced), ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prep Grill:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets.
- Season & Grill:
- In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Grill chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all garlic ranch sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm Pita:
- Warm pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of garlic ranch sauce inside each pita. Layer with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Add sliced chicken and drizzle with additional sauce. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around the table to build our own pita sandwiches always brings smiles and laughter, as everyone personalizes their meal with their favorite veggies and sauce.
Required Tools
Grill or grill pan, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy, egg, wheat. May contain gluten. Always check all packaged ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 29 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these flavorful sandwiches warm for best texture, and feel free to swap in avocado or feta for fun variations.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat but maintain a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- → Can I use another kind of bread?
Yes, try wraps, naan, or whole wheat pita to suit your taste or dietary needs. Always check for allergens.
- → What vegetables pair well inside the pita?
Lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion add freshness and crunch. Avocado or shredded carrots can be included for variety.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Don't overcook chicken; grill for 4–5 minutes per side until juices run clear. Allow to rest before slicing.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, grill chicken and prep veggies in advance, then assemble pitas when ready to serve for freshness.
- → Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mayo and milk alternatives for the sauce to cater to dairy sensitivities or vegan diets.