Blackened Chicken Pitas

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these bold and flavorful Blackened Chicken Pitas, a perfect fusion of smoky, Cajun-inspired spices and fresh Mediterranean flair. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a zesty blend of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme, then seared to perfection in a hot cast-iron skillet for a signature blackened crust. Stuffed into warm, fluffy pitas alongside crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy red onion, the dish gets a creamy finishing touch from a homemade garlic yogurt sauce infused with lemon and fresh dill. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes and packed with vibrant textures and bold flavors, this recipe is ideal for a healthy, hearty meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Perfect search terms: blackened chicken, pita recipes, healthy chicken recipes, Mediterranean-inspired meals, easy weeknight dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 pieces Pita bread
• 2 cups Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
• 0.5 cup Cucumber, diced

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each piece with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2

Mix the blackening spice blend: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Sprinkle the spice blend generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it in to coat evenly.

Step 4

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer.

Step 5

Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is blackened and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 6

While the chicken rests, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Stir well and set aside.

Step 7

Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.

Step 8

Assemble the pitas: Lay each pita flat and spread a generous layer of the garlic yogurt sauce over the surface. Add a handful of romaine lettuce, a few slices of cherry tomatoes, red onion, and diced cucumber.

Step 9

Top with sliced blackened chicken. Optionally, drizzle a little more garlic yogurt sauce over the top.

Step 10

Fold the pita around the filling, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1190.9 grams (1190.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1701

Total Fat 46.60g	60%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.10g
Cholesterol 304mg	101%
Sodium 3692mg	161%
Total Carbohydrate 164.00g	60%
Dietary Fiber 19.90g	71%
Total Sugars 21.30g
Protein 150.80g	302%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 365mg	28%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 2199mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.0%

Protein: 35.9%

Carbs: 39.1%