Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and balanced this meal is. The chicken bakes to golden perfection on one sheet pan while I toss together a fresh, crunchy slaw with bright herbs and creamy ranch. Everything comes together in under 40 minutes and can be easily customized with toppings like avocado or feta.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Herby Ranch Slaw:
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
• 4 pita breads, warmed
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled feta, pickled onions, or hot sauce
directions
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I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, I toss the chicken strips with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well coated.
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I spread the chicken evenly on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.
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While the chicken bakes, I prepare the slaw. In a separate bowl, I mix the cabbage, carrots, parsley, dill, ranch dressing, and apple cider vinegar. I season it with salt and pepper and chill until serving.
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I warm the pita breads and fill each with roasted chicken and a generous scoop of herby ranch slaw.
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I top it off with avocado, feta, or pickled onions if I want to elevate the flavor even more. Serve right away.
Servings and timing
This makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 430 kcal per serving
Variations
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I swap chicken thighs for breast strips if I want a leaner option.
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I use Greek yogurt-based ranch for a lighter slaw.
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I add thinly sliced red cabbage for extra color and crunch.
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I drizzle hot sauce or lemon juice over the pita for an extra flavor kick.
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I make it a bowl instead of a pita wrap—just serve over rice or quinoa.
storage/reheating
I store leftover chicken and slaw in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh pitas when I’m ready to eat. The slaw stays crisp and flavorful after chilling.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—I cook the chicken and prep the slaw a day ahead. I just reheat the chicken and assemble when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have pita bread?
I use naan, flatbread, or even tortilla wraps—they all work great.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps instead of regular pita.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! I grill the seasoned chicken strips over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
What’s the best way to warm pita?
I wrap the pita in foil and place it in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the chicken’s baking time, or I heat it in a dry skillet for a minute per side.
Conclusion
These Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Slaw are everything I want in a quick, healthy dinner—simple prep, bold flavors, and loads of texture. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, I get a full meal that’s fresh, satisfying, and totally customizable. I hope they find a regular place in your weekly rotation too!
Print
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch Slaw
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, spiced chicken thighs roasted to perfection and tucked into warm pita with a fresh herby ranch slaw. A quick and flavor-packed weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Herby Ranch Slaw:
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
4 pita breads, warmed
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled feta, pickled onions, hot sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Spread chicken evenly on the sheet pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
While the chicken bakes, prepare the slaw: in a bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, parsley, dill, ranch dressing, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
Warm pita breads and fill each with roasted chicken and a generous scoop of slaw.
Add optional toppings like avocado, feta, or pickled onions for extra flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute chicken thighs with breast strips for a leaner version.
Use Greek yogurt-based ranch for a lighter slaw.
Add red cabbage for color and crunch.
Turn it into a grain bowl with rice or quinoa instead of pita.
Drizzle with lemon juice or hot sauce for extra zip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Wraps & Sandwiches
- Method: Sheet Pan, Bake
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired