Crispy Chicken & Feta Arayes: A Zesty Homemade Recipe

Crispy arayes blend Middle Eastern street food magic with irresistible chicken and tangy feta flavors that dance across your palate.

Grilled pockets packed with savory ingredients promise a quick culinary adventure.

Meat lovers will appreciate this Lebanese-inspired dish that feels like a warm embrace from beirut’s bustling kitchens.

Charred edges and melted cheese create a mouthwatering texture that makes each bite memorable.

Spices weave through tender chicken, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Minimal ingredients, maximum impact, this recipe turns simple components into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to share these delectable triangles with everyone around your table.

Why Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta Is Packed With Flavor

• Boost Quick Cooking: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Blend Mediterranean spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano create a vibrant taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting culinary experience.
• Pack Protein Power: Ground chicken combined with feta cheese delivers a high-protein meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients for active families.
• Versatile Meal Option: Suitable for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or quick lunch preparations, these crispy pita pockets appeal to both adults and kids with their irresistible crunch and savory filling.

What Goes Into Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta

• Ground Chicken: A lean and flavorful base for the stuffing that provides a hearty protein element.

• Feta Cheese: A tangy and crumbly cheese that adds rich Mediterranean flavor to the stuffing.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that brings a bright and vibrant green note to the mixture.

• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Cinnamon: A warm and complex spice blend that gives the chicken mixture depth and authentic Middle Eastern character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Pita Bread: A soft, round flatbread that serves as the crispy wrapper for the chicken filling.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a savory foundation to the filling.
• Olive Oil: A classic Mediterranean cooking fat used for grilling and adding a subtle richness.
• Fresh Tomatoes: A fresh topping that adds brightness and color to the final dish.

How To Make Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken Mixture

• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cinnamon

Finish with salt and pepper, mixing everything until completely combined.

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high temperature. Lightly coat the surface with olive oil for extra crispy results.

Step 3: Create Pita Pockets

Carefully slice pita breads in half, creating convenient pockets for stuffing. Ensure the cuts are clean and the pitas remain intact.

Step 4: Stuff and Seal Arayes

Pack the chicken and feta mixture tightly into each pita pocket. Press gently to seal the edges and prevent filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place stuffed pitas on the hot cooking surface. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns crispy and develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Garnish

Remove arayes from heat and garnish with freshly chopped tomatoes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Smart Tips For Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta

• Toast the pita bread lightly before stuffing to enhance its crispiness and prevent sogginess during cooking.
• Drain excess moisture from feta cheese to maintain a firmer filling and prevent the pita from becoming wet.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you enjoy spicier flavors in your chicken filling.
• Pat ground chicken dry with paper towels before mixing to reduce excess liquid and achieve a more compact filling.
• Serve immediately after grilling to preserve the crispy texture and enjoy the warm, melted cheese inside the pita.

Tasty Spins On Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta

• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Replace ground chicken with ground lamb, add mint leaves, and incorporate roasted pine nuts for a rich Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Spicy Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for crumbled tofu or chickpeas, mix with jalapeños, add smoked paprika, and include roasted bell peppers for extra heat and texture.
• Greek-Inspired Seafood Version: Use flaked white fish like cod or halibut, blend with kalamata olives, extra feta cheese, and sprinkle with dill for a coastal Mediterranean feel.
• Moroccan Spice Blend: Incorporate ground beef instead of chicken, add harissa paste, turmeric, coriander, and top with a dollop of yogurt sauce for complex, warm spices.

Perfect Pairings For Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta

• Pairing Fresh Tzatziki: Cool, creamy yogurt sauce perfectly balances the crispy, spiced chicken arayes, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm, grilled pita.
• Serve with Greek Salad: Cucumber, tomato, and olives create a light, zesty side that complements the rich flavors of the chicken-stuffed pita, enhancing the Mediterranean profile.
• Match with Assyrian White Wine: Crisp, dry wine cuts through the richness of the feta and chicken, cleansing the palate with its bright, acidic notes.
• Recommend Mint Lemonade: Tangy, sweet drink provides a cooling counterpoint to the warm, spiced arayes, offering a refreshing accompaniment that elevates the entire meal.

How To Keep Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture.
• Freeze: Place cooled Arayes in freezer-safe bags or containers. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated Arayes and place on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes until crispy and warmed through, turning once halfway.
• Skillet Reheat: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Arayes Crispy Pita With Chicken And Feta Common Questions

• What are Arayes?

Arayes is a popular Levantine street food originating from Lebanon, consisting of stuffed pita bread filled with seasoned meat or chicken and grilled until crispy.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground lamb, beef, or turkey depending on your preference and dietary needs.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or adjust spices like paprika to increase heat level according to your taste.

• How do I prevent the pita from tearing while stuffing?

Use fresh, soft pita bread and slice carefully with a sharp knife. Gently open the pocket and fill slowly to avoid ripping the bread.

Arayes Crispy Pita with Chicken and Feta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling arayes blend Lebanese street charm with crispy pita, juicy chicken, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean feast. Crunchy edges and rich flavors invite diners to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) feta cheese, crumbled

Bread and Base:

• 4 pita breads

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh tomatoes, diced

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Blend ground chicken with crumbled feta, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, parsley, salt, and pepper until ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
2. Carefully split pita breads into halves, creating delicate pockets for filling.
3. Generously stuff each pita pocket with the seasoned chicken and feta mixture, pressing firmly to ensure compact filling.
4. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature, lightly coating surface with olive oil.
5. Place stuffed pitas onto hot cooking surface, grilling for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until exterior becomes crisp and develops a rich golden-brown coloration.
6. Once perfectly crispy, remove arayes from heat and garnish with freshly diced tomatoes.
7. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while maintaining optimal crunchiness and temperature.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating ground chicken in spices for 30 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.
• Use high-quality feta cheese with a creamy texture for more authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Opt for whole wheat pita bread to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone.
• For gluten-free option, replace traditional pita with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free flatbread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg