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Our 2021 Mother’s Day Menu and Entertaining Tips.
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Keeping dinner fun with these quick and easy Rosemary Chicken and Avocado Bacon Pitas with Honey Feta Sauce. Flavorful rosemary lemon chicken stuffed inside fresh pitas with all the “extras”….delicious salty creamy feta sauce, chunks of avocado, and crispy bacon. This loaded pita is SO GOOD and makes for a fun, delicious, and different weeknight dinner. Serve each pita with homemade fries for a meal that everyone will truly love. Perfect for the warmer months ahead.
I’m not sure if you guys remember me saying this. But I actually avoid sharing sandwich recipes – for the sole reason that I hate photographing them.
I think more than anything, it’s a fear I’ve put into my head. I convinced myself that I can’t take a delicious-looking photo of a sandwich. But recently I’ve been pushing past my fears and embracing fun sandwiches like these pitas.
Why? Well, for two reasons. First and foremost, I get bored really, really quickly. And when it comes to recipes, if things are feeling boring, I have to switch them up. So, these sandwiches are a switch-up. Especially seeing as I have only a small handful of sandwiches in our recipe archives.
Second, I realized that my mind is what’s been holding me back from all the delicious sandwiches out there. And let’s be real, there are some truly DELICIOUS sandwiches to be made. So here we are…stuffed pitas, a new favorite!
The idea…
These sandwiches started out totally different. As I was making them I just kept changing things here and there based on what was sounding best in my mind. Clearly, my brain works in odd ways.
So at first, these started out a little more…Plain Jane I would say. But then things like avocado and bacon were added. I ended up finishing with this fun, quick, and easy pita combo.
And it’s just about perfect. Simple ingredients, GOOD flavors, and just the right amount of textures with double the amounts of sauce.
And while I did actually struggle with the photos a bit, I figured them out and ended up loving every last detail of these quick chicken pitas.
Here’s the quick and simple process…
Start with the chicken. It’s tossed up with a mix of fresh rosemary, paprika, chili powder, and lemon. Not a lot of ingredients, but when using a potent herb like rosemary, I don’t like to use competing flavors. So although it may seem simple, trust me, the flavor is all there.
I like to roast the chicken, but you could easily grill and shred it too – especially if the weather is nice. That would be delicious!
While the chicken is cooking, I like to make the creamy feta sauce. And you guys…this sauce is the secret extra special touch to these pitas. It’s just feta cheese whipped together with lemon and honey until it gets nice and creamy. I LOVE the salty feta with the sweet honey, it has to be one of my favorite flavor combinations.
I spoon the feta sauce into a bowl, then top with a lite drizzle of olive oil (or you could do more honey too). Then add fresh tender herbs like dill and basil, and chili flakes to offset that sweetness.
SO DELICIOUS. Sorry for the caps, but I’m kind of into showing my excitement for these today!
Finish them up…
So the rest is really just stuffing each pita with all the ingredients. I start with the feta, then add shredded romaine, avocado, bacon, and tomato. Add the chicken, then more lettuce, avocado, and bacon. Finish with even more of that feta sauce and lots of fresh herbs. I’m obsessed with herbs as we are entering into herb season. They always add such a delicious and fresh finish to recipes!
Part of the reason I made these is because my brother Creighton is currently here in Colorado. Stuffed pitas are his favorite, so I knew he’d be excited over these. And trust me, he was! So much so that I think I’m going to do some lamb stuffed pitas today. Creighton keeps telling me that I really need to start cooking with lamb.
But for now, we’ve got these delicious chicken pitas. Herby rosemary chicken, salty-sweet feta, and crispy bacon…one of the best combinations of flavor. Beyond good and great for the warmer months ahead, since this is basically just a yummy chicken salad stuffed pita!!
Looking for other fun spring and summer sandwiches, try these:
Antipasto Mozzarella Sandwich with Lemony Basil Pesto
Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey
Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese
Lastly, if you make these Rosemary Chicken and Avocado Bacon Pitas with Honey Feta Sauce be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Rosemary Chicken and Avocado Bacon Pitas with Honey Feta Sauce
Servings: 4 pitas
Calories Per Serving: 908 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless, chicken breasts (or thighs) cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely, chopped or grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 lemon wedges (quartered), plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 slices cooked thick cut bacon, crumbled
- 4 fresh naan or pitas, warmed
- lettuce and tomatoes, for serving
Honey'd Feta Sauce
- 6 ounces feta cheese
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tender herbs, such as dill, basil, or parsley
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. 2. On a baking sheet, toss together the chicken, olive oil, shallot, garlic, rosemary, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the lemon wedges. Bake 15 minutes, toss and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Switch the oven to broil. Broil 1-2 minutes, until the chicken chars on the edge. *Watch closely!3. Meanwhile, make the feta sauce. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Season to taste with chili flakes, then top with mixed herbs and a drizzle of oil. 4. To assemble, stuff/spread each pita with feta, then add lettuce and tomatoes. Add the chicken, avocado, and bacon. Drizzle over more feta and additional herbs.
This recipe was OUTSTANDING. Before I even put the chicken in the oven, it smelled AMAZING with the fresh rosemary, shallots, garlic, and lemon all together on the pan – I knew right then it was going to be a winner. Everything turned out delicious and flavorful. The sauce was the real MVP, though. It was unlike anything I’d had, and so, so delicious. The combination of the feta, honey, and fresh herbs was everything. I love every HBH recipe, but this may have been my favorite yet! Can’t wait to have the leftovers for lunch!
Hey Tara,
Love to hear this! Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This sounds really good. I am going to make this for the gf when she gets back into town. Can I make a suggestion for a posting? What are your recommendations for staples that we keep in our pantry. Some of your recipes include things that are new to me, like Burrata. I am curious as to how many things I can make with the most common ingredients that you use. What kind of advice would you give to your brothers if they wanted to stock a pantry without having to take out a second mortgage. Also, what’s in your spice rack? Do you grow your own herbs? Any advice on that too? I am loving your cookbook and the recipes that you post. You are phenomenal T!! Thank you so much for everything you post!
Hey Alan,
Check out my pantry staples post:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/nine-favorite-things-133/
I do grow my own herbs, but only during the summer as it get too cold in the winter. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Thank you T, you are the best! Much love to you and your family!
This was a disappointing recipe. The feta sauce did not turn out as pictured. Seems to be a problem with the recipe as evidenced by the number of comments stating how thick and not creamy it was. I used block feta and have a very good blender. It would be great if the recipe was written so that the sauce would work and one didn’t have to scour the comments to see whether to add oil, water, chicken broth, quantities etc.
Hey Sarah,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try, sorry you did enjoy the recipe. For the feta, it is as simple as adding some liquid or olive oil to help thin it out. It may not be an exact measurement for everyone, just add until the texture is to your liking. I hope this helps! xTieghan
Hi Teighan! Have enjoyed so much finding and following your blog and recently ordered your Super Simple Cookbook!
We made this recipe last night and everything was delish, except my feta dressing was not thin enough to drizzle. Was wondering if you used whole chunk of feta or feta chunks? Thanks so much – Julie
Hey Julie,
Happy Thursday! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! I use feta in a block. You can always add some olive oil to help thin it out. xTieghan
Thanks so much I’ll try that next time! Wondering if even greek yogurt would help too? I love your recipes and blog… And your photography is as beautiful as the food! Have a great day!
My mom made these tonight. She chose them for her Monday Night Zoom Cooking class with her friends. WOW. What a hit these were. So simple and sooo flavorful. It is truly all about that feta sauce but even the chicken by itself is incredible. Highly recommend making this one! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe 🙂
Hey Andrea,
Wonderful!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am so glad that it was enjoyed! ☀️xTieghan
This is an easy and delicious meal. So enjoy all your recipes
Hey Barbara,
Fantastic! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Honestly, this was fantastic! I love how much room there is to top your pitas however you’d like (I added sauteed mushrooms; subbed lettuce for spinach; added cucumber etc.). The feta sauce is so dreamy and the chicken was delish!
Hey Kristen,
Fantastic! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Are these baking temperatures (425) what I should set the stove to for a convection oven? Or should I turn down the temperature if it’s on convection?
PS I love all of your recipes! I have a newborn baby and still find time to make 2-3 of your recipes each week. They’re so easy and tasty!
Hey Emily,
So sorry, I am not familiar with baking in a convection oven. I would adjust accordingly as you typically do. I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
Meant to say 5 stars!!
Made it with my dad tonight with turkey bacon subbed. This was incredible. Nearly licked the pan that the chicken was on. Only comment I’d make is that the instructions surrounding the feta sauce were a tiny bit confusing, but I’m also inattentive. Blended the sauce with the herbs and chili flakes, but I think that actually made it taste really good. Did have to add about 1/4 cup of water to make the consistency less thick. Will definitely be making this again! And maybe attempt homemade pita next time!
Lol thank you:)
My feta wasn’t as creamy so I added some olive oil as another person did and it made it creamy and I could spread it inside the pita. Perfect lunch recipe. Highly recommend!!! 🙂
Hey Sarah,
Awesome!! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Made it with my dad tonight with turkey bacon subbed. This was incredible. Nearly licked the pan that the chicken was on. Only comment I’d make is that the instructions surrounding the feta sauce were a tiny bit confusing, but I’m also inattentive. Blended the sauce with the herbs and chili flakes, but I think that actually made it taste really good. Did have to add about 1/4 cup of water to make the consistency less thick. Will definitely be making this again! And maybe attempt homemade pita next time!
Meant to say 5 stars!!!!!
Thanks again!!
Fantastic! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
This was a big hit with my family. I had to add a little bit of chicken stock to the feta sauce because it was too thick. I also served it with Tzatziki and Greek lemon rice. The seasoning on the rosemary chicken was awesome. Thank you for this one!!
Hey Sarah,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xxTieghan
Made this recipe tonight. Used crumbled low fat feta in a blender and it didn’t get creamy. I added a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and it did the trick. Probably used the wrong kind of feta. My family loved it. Great recipe.
Hey Richard,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Sorry to hear about the feta, you want to use block feta for this recipe:) xxTieghan
I plan to make this tomorrow for dinner. One quick question – do you mix the herbs and oil in the blender or just add that on top at the end?
Hey Donna,
I just add them to the top at the end. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I’ve not made these yet but curious if you toss the chicken with the 2 T lemon juice too. Not mentioned in the recipe but listed as an ingredient along with the wedges. Thanks!
Hey Kathy! recipe fixed, the lemon juice goes into the chicken. xx
These were a hit with the family! Any tips on how to make the feta sauce creamy!? I couldn’t get it smoothed but it was still yummy.
Hey Amy,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Sunday! xTieghan