Chicken Caesar Pita Pocket

The Chicken Caesar Pita Pocket is one of my all-time favorite meals to make. It looks so unassuming but that first bite gives you a mouth full of flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or an easy dinner-Your taste buds will thank you for making these pita pockets filled with rich fontina cheese and a homemade Caesar dressing that will knock your socks off. For best results on the dressing, follow the recipe exactly. Anchovies are optional but make a difference!

What is a Chicken Caesar Pita?

A Chicken Caesar Pita is a delicious and convenient twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining tender chicken, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and grated fontina cheese, all stuffed into soft pita bread halves. This tasty pita wrap offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.

How to Make a Chicken Caesar Pita

Ingredients:

• 1 package white pita bread (6 loaves), cut in half
• 1 ½ lbs cooked and chopped chicken breast
• 3 cups grated fontina cheese
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 diced medium-sized tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, romaine lettuce, grated fontina cheese, and diced tomatoes.
2. Season the Mixture: Add a dash of garlic powder, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Fill the Pita Pockets: Carefully open the pita bread halves and fill them with the chicken mixture.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Place the filled pita pockets on a plate and serve immediately. Optionally, you can grill the pita pockets on a grill pan for 1-2 minutes on each side to give them a nice crunch.

What is Pita Bread?

Pita bread is a type of round, flatbread that is soft and slightly chewy. Traditionally from the Middle East, pita bread is known for its pocket, which can be stuffed with various fillings. Pita bread halves are perfect for creating quick and easy meals like Chicken Caesar Pitas.

Substitutions

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Whole Wheat Pita: For a healthier option, use whole wheat pita bread.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute fontina cheese with Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar.
• Protein Alternatives: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or try turkey, tofu, or grilled shrimp.

Variations

Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create new variations of Chicken Caesar Pitas:

• Spicy Version: Add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas.

Key Equipment

To make Chicken Caesar Pitas, you will need the following equipment:

• Large Bowl: For mixing the chicken and other ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: For preparing any additional dressings or marinades.
• Grill Pan: For toasting the pita pockets (optional).
• Small Bowl: For mixing seasonings or dressings.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping ingredients.

What to Eat with a Chicken Caesar Pita

Complement your Chicken Caesar Pita with side dishes like:

• Fruit Salad: Fresh and light, it pairs well with the savory pita.
• Vegetable Sticks: Carrots, celery, and cucumbers with a side of hummus.
• Greek Salad: A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
• Soup: A bowl of hot soup makes a comforting and filling meal.

Homemade Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is the star of the show here. The acidity from the lemon juice, along with the saltiness of the anchovies, the slightest bit of heat from the hot sauce plus the slight sweetness of the Worcestershire sauce really is the perfect combination of flavors. I personally like to leave the garlic and anchovies a tad bit larger than a mince because it gives the dressing a bit more texture.

How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 5 anchovy fillets, patted dry, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 6 dashes hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Anchovies and Garlic: Start by mincing the anchovy fillets and garlic cloves. These will add a rich, savory flavor to your dressing.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
5. Store the Dressing: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

• Anchovy Paste: If you don’t have anchovy fillets, you can use 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste instead.
• Vegan Versions: Replace anchovies with capers and Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a vegan-friendly option.
• Neutral Oil: Substitute extra virgin olive oil with a neutral oil like avocado oil for a milder flavor.

Variations:

• Creamy Caesar Dressing: Add ½ cup of mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
• Caesar Pasta Salad: Toss the dressing with cooked pasta, romaine lettuce, and homemade croutons for a delicious Caesar pasta salad.

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