No-cook dinner
Leftover chicken becomes a pita pocket nobody guesses was last night's.
There is cooked chicken in the fridge and zero appetite for cooking it twice.
A quick honey mustard toss and a stuffed pita turn yesterday's protein into a fresh dinner in minutes.
Ingredients
Set up honey mustard chicken pita pockets for serves 4, then keep the timing close to about 15 minutes.
- 4 pita breads, halved to make pockets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
How to Make It
Keep the timing for honey mustard chicken pita pockets honest by starting with the step that cannot be rushed.
- Whisk the honey, Dijon, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the diced chicken and toss until well coated.
- Gently open each pita half to make a pocket.
- Tuck a small handful of romaine, carrots, and cucumber into each pocket.
- Spoon the honey mustard chicken into the pockets and serve right away.
Timing Before Practice
This is assembly only with cooked chicken, so plates are ready in about 12 minutes.
- T-minus 15: mix the sauce and coat the chicken
- T-minus 8: fill the pita pockets and plate early eaters
- T-minus 5: water bottles and shoes, no new cooking
Make It Ahead or Save Leftovers
Keep the chicken and the veg separate so the pita stays sturdy.
- Mix the honey mustard chicken up to a day ahead
- Chop the vegetables and store them separately
- Fill the pockets just before eating so the bread holds up
- Serve with: grape tomatoes, a clementine
Parent Tip
Warm the pita for a few seconds before filling so it opens into a pocket without tearing.
Make It Fit Tonight
Small Tweaks That Help This Dinner Land
Make it a wrap instead
Roll the filling in a tortilla if you are out of pita.
Swap in chickpeas for a meatless pocket
Coat rinsed chickpeas in the honey mustard for a vegetarian version.
Add shredded cheese
Tuck in a little cheddar for kids who want it cheesy.
Turn it into a salad bowl
Skip the pita and pile everything over greens for a no-bread plate.
Use leftover turkey
Swap in diced turkey after a roast for a fast next-day meal.
Plan The Next Step
Repurpose your leftovers
Save a few quick-assembly meals that turn cooked chicken into a whole new dinner.