Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with these irresistible Barbecue Chicken Skillet Pockets – a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and save you precious time in the kitchen! Imagine tender, saucy chicken nestled in warm pita pockets, oozing with melted cheese and topped with fresh herbs and zesty red onions. This recipe is the perfect solution for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 pita pockets
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese (either cheddar or mozzarella), 4 pita pockets, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the barbecue chicken mixture to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- While the chicken is heating, prepare the pita pockets. Cut each pita pocket in half to create two pockets. You can warm the pita pockets in a separate pan or microwave for about 10-15 seconds if desired, making them easier to fill.
- Once the chicken mixture is heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and combines well with the chicken.
- To assemble the pockets, take a warm pita half and fill it generously with the barbecue chicken and cheese mixture.
- Top the filled pita with diced red onion and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and freshness.
- Repeat the filling process for the remaining pita pockets until all the chicken mixture is used.
- Serve the barbecue chicken skillet pockets warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Use pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation time – rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!
- For extra flavor, choose a bold, smoky barbecue sauce that complements the chicken.
- Warm the pita pockets briefly to make them more pliable and easier to stuff.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- If you want a crispy texture, lightly toast the filled pita pockets in a skillet after assembling.
- Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight meal.
- Customize with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
