Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Recipe

Delight in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing chicken pita taco recipe, featuring aromatic garlic paste. Tender, slow-cooked chicken, fragrant garlic paste, and crispy pita bread combine to create a culinary masterpiece that is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. With a hint of kick from kalamata olives, and the fresh crunch of giardiniera, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Photos of Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found items such as chicken thighs, garlic salt, and rice, there are a few that might not be in your pantry. Kalamata olives, known for their rich and fruity flavor, can be found in the olive aisle of most supermarkets. Giardiniera, an Italian relish of pickled vegetables, can be found in the pickles and condiments aisle. If you can't find garlic paste, it is easy to make at home by blending fresh garlic cloves with a bit of oil.

Ingredients for Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

Chicken thighs: The main protein of this dish, slow-cooked to tender perfection.

Garlic salt: Adds a savory depth to the chicken.

Black pepper: Gives a slight heat to the dish.

Pita bread: Crispy and light, this is the base of your taco.

Rice: Adds a satisfying, hearty element to the taco.

Kalamata olives: These olives add a fruity yet savory flavor.

Tomatoes: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Parsley: Gives a hint of earthiness and bright color.

Garlic paste: Adds a potent, aromatic flavor.

Pickled giardiniera: Provides a tangy crunch that balances the rich flavors.

One reader, Hilda Robbins says:

This chicken pita tacos with garlic paste recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the garlic paste adds a delicious kick. It's a perfect blend of savory and fresh ingredients. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Hilda Robbins

Cooking Techniques for Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

How to prepare the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker, sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours without adding water.

How to crisp the pita bread: Place a piece of pita bread on the stovetop over medium-high heat and allow the flame to crisp up the bread, adding color for about 15 seconds.

How to assemble the chicken pita tacos: Layer the pita bread with rice, shredded chicken, garlic paste, tomatoes, kalamata olives, parsley, and chopped pickled giardiniera.

How To Make Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

Loaded with tender chicken, robust garlic paste, and fresh veggies, these chicken pita tacos makes for a mouthwatering and filling lunch meal!

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 5 hours

Total: 5 hours 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4chicken thighs
1tspgarlic salt
½tspblack pepper
pita bread
rice
kalamata olives,sliced
tomatoes,diced finely
parsley,diced finely
garlic paste
pickled giardiniera

Instructions

Put the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer side up. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper.
Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 5 hours. Do not add water.
Take a piece of pita bread, and put it onto the stovetop on medium-high. Let the flame crisp up the bread and add a bit of color to it for about 15 seconds.
Put a layer of rice, then pull the chicken apart into small pieces and layer it on top. Put on a liberal amount of garlic paste, then add some tomatoes and kalamata olives.
Sprinkle with parsley and chopped up pickled giardiniera, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 287.71kcal
Fat: 21.40g
Saturated Fat: 5.83g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.47g
Carbohydrates: 1.06g
Fiber: 0.16g
Sugar: 0.03g
Protein: 21.43g
Cholesterol: 126.09mg
Sodium: 105.37mg
Calcium: 12.97mg
Potassium: 280.58mg
Iron: 1.01mg
Vitamin A: 35.11µg
Vitamin C: 1.85mg

Garlic Paste Technique Tip for Chicken Pita Tacos

To ensure your pita bread gets a nice, even char without burning, keep it moving on the stovetop. Use tongs to flip and rotate the bread frequently. This will give it a smoky flavor and a slightly crispy texture, enhancing the overall taste of your chicken pita tacos.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut for this recipe.

Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of chicken and store the extra for future use in various recipes.

Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can be a valuable time-saving tool for preparing tender, flavorful chicken with minimal hands-on effort.

Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs, with a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
garlic salt - Substitute with minced garlic and salt: Using minced garlic and salt separately allows for better control of the garlic and salt levels in the dish.
pita bread - Substitute with tortillas: Tortillas can be used as a substitute for pita bread to create a different texture and flavor profile for the tacos.
rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a nutritious and gluten-free alternative to rice, adding a nutty flavor and fluffy texture to the dish.
kalamata olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives can be used as a substitute for kalamata olives, providing a milder flavor and slightly different texture.
tomatoes - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can be used as a substitute for tomatoes to add a sweet and crunchy element to the tacos.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley to add a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.
garlic paste - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic paste, providing a similar flavor and texture when mixed with other ingredients.
pickled giardiniera - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños can be used as a substitute for pickled giardiniera to add a spicy and tangy kick to the tacos.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Pita Tacos

Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the chicken pita tacos, focus on creating an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Use the vibrant colors of the tomatoes, kalamata olives, and pickled giardiniera to add visual appeal to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating a drizzle of garlic paste in an artistic manner. This not only adds flavor but also creates an elegant and refined presentation.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of the ingredients on the pita tacos. Ensure that each component is meticulously arranged to create a visually balanced and harmonious presentation.
Utilize fresh herbs as a garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of vibrant green color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Consider the plate as a canvas: Treat the plate as a canvas and carefully arrange the components of the dish to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation that will impress the culinary professionals.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Pita Tacos

Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which requires maintaining a relatively low temperature compared to other cooking methods.
Stovetop: The stovetop, also known as a cooktop, is a flat cooking surface with burners or heating elements used for cooking food.
Knife: A knife is a tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients in the kitchen.
Cutting board: A cutting board is a durable board on which to place material for cutting.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping, lifting, and turning food while cooking.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Plates: Plates are used for serving and presenting food.
Fork: A fork is a utensil with prongs used for eating or serving food.
Serving platter: A serving platter is a large, flat dish used for serving food, especially for special occasions or gatherings.
Garlic press: A garlic press is a kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.

Storing and Freezing Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for chicken pita tacos with garlic paste:

Allow the cooked chicken thighs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the cooked chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Store leftover pita bread in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh the pita, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Keep the garlic paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the garlic paste in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 6 months.
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Keep the kalamata olives, tomatoes, and parsley in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Store the pickled giardiniera in its original jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Pita Tacos

To reheat leftover chicken pita tacos, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the tacos are heated evenly throughout.
Wrap the tacos loosely in aluminum foil, making sure not to wrap them too tightly as this can cause the pita bread to become soggy. The foil will help to retain the moisture in the tacos and prevent them from drying out.
Place the wrapped tacos on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. The exact time will depend on how many tacos you are reheating and how cold they were to begin with.
If you prefer a crispier texture for your pita bread, you can unwrap the tacos for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating. This will allow the bread to crisp up slightly without becoming too dry.
Alternatively, you can reheat the tacos in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Simply place the tacos in the skillet and heat them for a few minutes on each side until they are warmed through and the bread is slightly crispy.
If you have any leftover garlic paste, you can add a dollop to each taco before reheating to enhance the flavor and keep the chicken moist.
Once the tacos are heated through, you can garnish them with fresh parsley, tomatoes, or any other toppings you desire. Serve them immediately while they are still warm and enjoy your delicious leftover meal!

Interesting Fact About Chicken Pita Tacos

The pita tacos with garlic paste recipe is a fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, combining the traditional pita bread with the flavors of tacos. This dish offers a unique blend of savory and tangy flavors, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. The use of garlic paste adds a rich and aromatic element to the dish, enhancing the overall taste. Additionally, the slow-cooked chicken thighs ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful, creating a delicious filling for the pita tacos. This recipe is a perfect example of how diverse culinary influences can come together to create a mouthwatering dish.

Is Making Chicken Pita Tacos at Home Cost-Effective?

This chicken pita tacos with garlic paste recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken thighs, pita bread, rice, and vegetables, are generally affordable and readily available. The slow cooking method also makes it economical as it tenderizes the meat without requiring expensive cuts. The use of simple, everyday ingredients ensures that this recipe is budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a reasonable option for a family meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Are Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Healthy?

The chicken pita tacos recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The use of chicken thighs, which are higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast
The liberal amount of garlic paste, which may contribute to high sodium levels
The inclusion of pickled giardiniera, which can also be high in sodium
The lack of a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal

However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as the use of whole grain pita bread, tomatoes, and parsley, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for skinless chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce the overall fat content
Use a reduced-sodium garlic paste or make your own by blending fresh garlic with a small amount of olive oil
Increase the amount of vegetables in the tacos by adding lettuce, cucumbers, or bell peppers
Replace the pickled giardiniera with a fresh, homemade salsa or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor without the excess sodium
Use whole grain pita bread to increase the fiber content of the meal
Consider using brown rice instead of white rice for added nutrients and fiber
Limit the amount of olives used, as they can be high in sodium, or opt for low-sodium varieties

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still retains the delicious flavors of the original recipe.

Editor's Opinion on Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

This recipe for chicken pita tacos with garlic paste is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked chicken thighs are tender and flavorful, complemented by the aromatic garlic paste and the briny kalamata olives. The addition of pickled giardiniera adds a tangy kick, while the fresh tomatoes and parsley provide a burst of freshness. Serving this delicious mixture on a crispy pita bread adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful combination of Mediterranean and Mexican influences, creating a unique and satisfying dish.

Enhance Your Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Create a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions, seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.

Fruit Salad: Prepare a refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing for a sweet and tangy accompaniment to the chicken pita tacos.

Creamy Coleslaw: Whip up a creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, adding a crunchy and refreshing element to balance out the flavors of the chicken pita tacos.

Mango Salsa: Whip up a vibrant mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, adding a tropical and tangy twist to complement the savory flavors of the chicken pita tacos.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

Spicy Beef Tacos: Marinate the beef with a mixture of chili powder, cumin, and paprika for an extra kick. Serve in warm tortillas with a side of fresh salsa and guacamole.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Grill the chicken and top it with a refreshing mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve with a side of coconut rice for a tropical twist.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter, then add Arborio rice and slowly stir in chicken broth until creamy. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme for a comforting dish.

Berry Cobbler: Mix fresh berries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice, then top with a buttery biscuit crust. Bake until golden brown and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash with onions and garlic, then blend with vegetable broth until smooth. Add a touch of cream and nutmeg for a velvety and comforting soup.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top it off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves on skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety smooth and rich chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. A classic dessert that never fails to impress.

Why trust this Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal, thanks to the use of high-quality ingredients such as chicken thighs, garlic paste, and kalamata olives. The slow cooking method ensures tender and juicy chicken, while the addition of pickled giardiniera and parsley adds a burst of vibrant flavors. The combination of rice and pita bread provides a delightful textural contrast, making this dish a delightful and wholesome choice for any occasion.

Share your thoughts on the Chicken Pita Tacos with Garlic Paste Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you've tried!

FAQ:

What type of pita bread should I use for the chicken pita tacos?

You can use any type of pita bread you prefer, whether it's whole wheat, white, or even gluten-free. Just make sure it's fresh and pliable for the best results.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breast instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breast tends to cook faster than thighs.

Is there a substitute for pickled giardiniera if I can't find it?

If you can't find pickled giardiniera, you can substitute it with pickled banana peppers or even some pickled jalapeños for a bit of heat. The idea is to add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the tacos.

How can I make the garlic paste for this recipe?

To make garlic paste, simply peel and finely mince fresh garlic cloves. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the minced garlic, then use the flat side of a chef's knife to press and smear the garlic against the cutting board until it forms a smooth paste.

Can I prepare the chicken filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before assembling the pita tacos for a quick and convenient meal.