Chicken Parmesan Pita Pockets
Chicken can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerated. Assemble and bake sandwiches just prior to serving.
Chicken can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerated. Assemble and bake sandwiches just prior to serving.
- 1/2 ts salt
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness of 1/2-i
- 3/4 c criscoâ® pure vegetable oil divided or 3/4 cup criscoâ® puritan canola oil with omega-3 dha
- 1/4 ts black pepper freshly ground
- 2 ts jarred minced garlic or 1 large garlic clove, peeled and minced
- 1 ts italian seasoning
- 1/3 c italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 4 tb grated parmesan cheese
- 4 lg pita breads, sandwich-size top 1-inch cut off
- 1/2 c marinara sauce heated
- 1 c shredded mozzarella cheese about 4 ounces
- 12 thin slices salami (optional) or baked ham, thin slices
- Carbohydrate 59.57685171472 g
- Cholesterol 136.903166666667 mg
- Fat 40.8369275961533 g
- Fiber 3.58889409235498 g
- Protein 49.46459405448 g
- Saturated Fat 15.1516665833333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (337g)
- Sodium 1884.07016666617 mg
- Sugar 55.987957622365 g
- Trans Fat 2.96257401282 g
- Calories 811 calories
Step-by-step
- HEAT oven to 425F. Line 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Rinse chicken. Pat dry.
- Combine 1/4 cup oil, salt, pepper, garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- POUR remaining 1/2 cup oil into baking pan. Heat in oven 5 minutes.
- Combine chicken with seasoned mixture. Pat bread crumbs onto chicken strips.
- Remove pan from oven. Add chicken strips in single layer. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Turn chicken with tongs. Return to oven.
- Bake 6 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from pan. Drain on paper towels.
- REDUCE oven temperature to 400F.
- Tuck chicken slices into pita pockets. Spoon sauce and mozzarella cheese over chicken.
- Tuck in prosciutto or salami slices, if desired.
- Place filled pitas on baking sheet. Bake pitas for 6 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
A Busy Mom's Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinner: Chicken Parmesan Pita Pockets
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious enough to please my picky eaters. This Chicken Parmesan Pita Pockets recipe has become a lifesaver. It's a twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight. Forget wrestling with individual parmesan chicken breasts and mountains of spaghetti – this streamlined version delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness in a convenient, handheld package. The prep time is minimal, and the baking time is even shorter, which means more time for family and less time stressing over dinner.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often prep the chicken ahead of time – it's just as delicious the next day. The seasoned chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two hours before baking, giving me the flexibility to get other things done before dinner. My kids love helping me assemble the pitas, which makes it a fun family activity. It's also easily adaptable. Sometimes I use leftover roast chicken to save even more time. I’ve experimented with different cheeses, and even added some sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition. Feel free to play around with the fillings; the possibilities are endless. This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to how delicious and convenient home-cooked meals can be, even when time is tight.
One thing I've learned as a mom is that simple doesn't mean boring. This Chicken Parmesan Pita Pocket recipe is a shining example of this. The crispy chicken, the gooey mozzarella, the tangy marinara sauce – it's a symphony of flavors that satisfies my entire family. I always have the ingredients on hand, so it's a go-to when I'm short on inspiration or time. The pita bread keeps everything neat and contained, perfect for little hands and even messier eaters. Cleanup is a breeze, too, which is always a bonus after a long day. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a time-saving solution, a family-friendly meal, and a delicious way to prove that even busy moms can put a healthy and tasty meal on the table.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Prepare the chicken up to 2 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little kick.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend.
- Meat alternatives: Use leftover cooked chicken, turkey, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
This recipe is a testament to simple, delicious food that even the busiest among us can enjoy. It's quick, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, the next time you're short on time but craving a comforting and flavorful meal, reach for this Chicken Parmesan Pita Pockets recipe. You won't be disappointed.
