Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Pita Delight
On a warm evening, I created this refreshing and nutritious Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Pita Sandwich that perfectly balances vibrant flavors with wholesome ingredients. The combination of zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and tender chicken makes this dish a delightful option for lunch or a light snack. Not only is it low in calories and high in flavor, but it is also incredibly filling, ensuring you stay satisfied without any guilt. Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like red onions for a bit of crunch or fresh basil for an aromatic twist. This versatile recipe allows for easy substitutions, transforming it into a wrap with tortillas for a different take. Whether you opt for a generously stuffed half pita or a lighter whole pita cut in two, you're destined to enjoy this easy-to-make, healthy treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chunk chicken
1 (12 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Cilantro
10 sprigs (chopped)
Lime
1/2 medium (juiced)
Cucumber
1/4 medium (chopped)
Tomato
1 medium (seeded and chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon
Pita pockets
4-8 (whole wheat if available)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained chunk chicken, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chopped cucumber, seeded and chopped tomato, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
2
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
3
For enhanced flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is optional but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
When ready to serve, carefully spoon the mixture into half or whole pita pockets, depending on your preference for stuffing.
5
Enjoy your Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Pita Delight fresh, and get ready to savor the flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Pita Delight?
It is a refreshing and nutritious chicken salad pita sandwich that balances zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and tender chicken.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, low-calorie, and healthy treat.
What kind of chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses one 12.5-ounce can of chunk chicken, which should be drained before use.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh chicken as an alternative to the canned version if you prefer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including chicken, cilantro, lime, cucumber, tomato, and various seasonings.
Can I turn this recipe into a wrap?
Yes, you can easily transform this dish into a wrap by using tortillas instead of pita pockets.
Is refrigeration necessary before serving?
Refrigerating the mixture for at least one hour is optional but recommended to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What vegetables are included in the chicken salad filling?
The filling includes chopped cucumber and seeded, chopped tomato for a fresh and crunchy texture.
Can I customize the recipe with other herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh basil for an aromatic twist instead of cilantro if desired.
Are there any suggested additions for extra crunch?
The recipe suggests adding red onions if you want a bit of extra crunch in your pita.
How many pita pockets does this recipe fill?
It is enough to fill between 4 and 8 pita pockets, depending on how generously you stuff them.
What kind of oil should I use for the dressing?
The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil to help bind the salad and add healthy fats.
Is there any cooking involved in this preparation?
No cooking is required as the recipe uses pre-cooked canned chicken and raw fresh vegetables.
What spices are used for seasoning this dish?
The chicken salad is seasoned with dried oregano and ground black pepper.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seeded and chopped before being added to the chicken mixture.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires two cloves of minced garlic for optimal flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal and is ideal for a fast, healthy lunch or light snack.
What type of pita bread is recommended?
The recipe suggests using whole wheat pita pockets for a healthier option if they are available.
How much lime juice is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses the juice from half of a medium-sized lime.
Is this chicken pita recipe filling?
Yes, it is designed to be incredibly filling to ensure you stay satisfied without guilt.
How do you mix the chicken salad ingredients?
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined.
Can I use whole pitas instead of halves?
Yes, you can serve the mixture in half pita pockets or whole pita pockets cut in two based on your preference.
Is it a low-fat recipe?
While specific nutritional counts are not provided, it uses healthy extra virgin olive oil and lean chunk chicken.
Can I prepare this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, the recipe suggests letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for an hour to enhance the flavor.
Does it contain a lot of cilantro?
It uses 10 sprigs of chopped cilantro as a primary flavor component.
What makes the recipe zesty?
The combination of fresh lime juice and minced garlic provides a vibrant, zesty flavor profile.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Carefully spoon the mixture into pita pockets and enjoy while fresh.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh cilantro sprigs to achieve the intended aromatic flavor.
Is this a good dish for warm weather?
Yes, it was specifically created for warm evenings as a refreshing and light meal option.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
The first step is to drain the canned chunk chicken before combining it with other ingredients.