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I completely suck at feeding myself lunch. Breakfast and dinner – I’m good to go. Lunch, on the other hand, remains a mystery to me. Maybe it’s because I’m utterly sick of sandwiches as I had them packed for my school lunch everyday as a child. Or maybe it’s because by the time I realize I should get lunch started I’m starved and can’t think straight. Either way I like to get in some fresh vegetables, fruit, protein, and whole-grain goodness but that doesn’t always happen. With these pitas though, it’s much easier.
What are your favorite lunch-time foods?
Recipe Rundown
Taste: Nutty, fresh, slightly sour, sweet.
Texture: The pita is thick, the carrots and pepper are crunchy, the chicken is moist, and the sauce makes it all smooth and creamy.
Ease: Super easy, takes 15 minutes.
Appearance: Like little pockets of heaven.
Pros: Perfect for a nutritious sack lunch or light dinner.
Cons: None.
Would I make this again? Yes! Will pack for lunch.
Peanut-Sauced Chicken Pitas
Serves 2 (serving size: 1 stuffed pita half)
From Cooking Light August 2011
- 1 cup shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken thigh or drumstick meat
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons thin red bell pepper strips
- 2 tablespoons peanut satay sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chile paste with garlic (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh mung bean sprouts, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons diagonally-cut carrots
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 (6-inch) whole-wheat pita, cut in half
Combine all ingredients except pita halves in a small bowl, tossing well to combine. Fill each pita half with about 1/2 cup of chicken mixture.
[…] from Handle The Heat, originally from Cooking Light (August 2011) | Fills 12 to 16 pita […]
Any ideas on a substitute sauce for people with peanut allergies?
I just saw another recipe yesterday using a peanut sauce. I really have to try that. This would be a great place to start!
I'm in the same boat, Tess! If I'm eating alone, I don't feel like fixing something special for myself. I usually end up rummaging through the cupboards and eating haphazard lunch.
Sometimes I like to spread a tortilla with butter and peanut butter, drizzle on a bit of honey, and slice a banana on top. Fairly tasty lunch. 🙂
Your pitas look amazing! So fresh yet tangy. What's your favorite peanut sauce?