Crispy Chicken Caesar Pita

Experience a modern twist on a timeless favorite with these Crispy Chicken Caesar Pita pockets. This recipe combines the crunch of air-fried chicken strips with the freshness of a classic Caesar salad, all tucked into warm, soft pita bread. It is a satisfying handheld meal that is perfect for a quick dinner or an elevated lunch.

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By marinating the chicken in buttermilk and using a Parmesan-panko coating, you ensure every bite is tender on the inside and perfectly seasoned on the outside. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds a pop of color and sweetness that complements the savory Caesar dressing perfectly.

Ingredients

• For the Crispy Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray
• For the Caesar Salad:
• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For Assembly:
• 4 pita breads, warmed
• Extra Caesar dressing, for drizzling
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness).

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4

Arrange chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 5

Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Step 6

Meanwhile, toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes (if using).

Step 7

Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave. Cut open to form pockets.

Step 8

Stuff each pita with Caesar salad and 2–3 chicken strips. Drizzle with extra Caesar dressing and add a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Air frying fresh chicken provides the most authentic flavor and superior texture. Ensure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to maintain even air circulation for maximum crispiness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter nutritional profile, substitute the traditional dressing with a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing. If you are in a time crunch, high-quality store-bought breaded chicken tenders can be used as a shortcut.

Serviervorschläge

Enhance the crunch by adding a handful of croutons directly into the pita pocket. Serve these pitas alongside a fresh lemon wedge for guests to add a bright, acidic finish to their meal.

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These Crispy Chicken Caesar Pitas are a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve them immediately while the chicken is at its peak crispiness for the best experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

→ How do I prevent pita bread from tearing when stuffing?

Warm pitas first to make them pliable, then carefully cut around the edge to open the pocket rather than splitting.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Marinate chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Wash and chop lettuce earlier, but dress just before assembling to prevent sogginess.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes until thickened.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store chicken, salad, and pitas separately in airtight containers. Assemble fresh when ready to eat for best texture.