Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch

Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch

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Golden, crispy chicken tucked into soft pitas, topped with a creamy, herby ranch drizzle and a fresh corn salsa—this is the kind of weeknight meal that feels like a feast without the fuss. Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch are perfect for when you crave comfort food that delivers bold flavors, textures, and ease in every bite.

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy lettuce, juicy corn, and tangy herbs creates a balance that satisfies in all the right ways. It’s a dish that plays well for casual dinners, meal prep lunches, or even entertaining. Think of it as the ultimate mix of taco night and Mediterranean flair.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting started on these Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas is incredibly easy, but having the right tools on hand ensures everything goes smoothly:

  • Sheet Pan: The hero of this recipe! It allows you to roast your chicken evenly and keeps cleanup minimal.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few to season your chicken and toss your corn salsa ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for dicing veggies and trimming chicken.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping and coating your chicken pieces.
  • Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning, especially for the ranch and spice mix.

Each of these tools contributes to a streamlined prep process and helps build the layers of flavor and texture this dish is all about.


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Ingredients for the Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch

  • Boneless Chicken Tenders: These cook quickly and stay juicy, making them the ideal protein for a sheet pan meal.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the chicken crisp up in the oven and allows the seasonings to stick.
  • Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices build a savory, slightly smoky base flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: The essentials that bring balance and enhance all the other ingredients.
  • Mini Pitas or Flatbreads: Soft, pillowy, and perfect for wrapping around the crispy chicken.
  • Romaine Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness.
  • Corn Kernels: Sweet, juicy bursts that pair beautifully with the herby ranch.
  • Red Onion & Tomato: For a punch of acidity and color in the salsa.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Brings a bright herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.
  • Herby Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy topping that ties everything together with zesty herbs and a touch of garlic.

How To Make the Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Trim your chicken tenders and pat them dry. In a mixing bowl, toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Roast on a Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Mix the Corn Salsa

In another bowl, combine corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped tomato, and fresh cilantro. Season lightly with salt and a splash of lime juice if desired.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas

While the chicken roasts, warm your pitas or flatbreads either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble the Pitas

Layer each pita with chopped romaine lettuce, a few pieces of crispy roasted chicken, a scoop of corn salsa, and a drizzle of herby ranch dressing.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve warm while the chicken is fresh out of the oven for the ultimate texture contrast.


How to Serve and Store These Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch

These pitas are best served fresh and warm, when the chicken is crispy and the herby ranch is cool and creamy. They’re perfect for casual dinners, but also make a great DIY meal for guests—set out all the fillings and let everyone build their own.

If you have leftovers, store each component separately to maintain the best texture. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer to get back some crispiness. The corn salsa and ranch should also be stored in the fridge, while the pitas can be wrapped and kept at room temperature.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pitas or wraps and ensure your ranch dressing is certified gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great but may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Just make sure they’re cut into smaller, even pieces for consistent cooking.

Is there a dairy-free version of the herby ranch?

You can substitute a dairy-free ranch dressing or make your own using a plant-based yogurt base mixed with herbs and garlic.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely. If you prefer grilled flavor, cook the chicken on a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked.

What other toppings go well with this?

Try sliced avocado, pickled red onions, shredded cheese, or a splash of hot sauce to customize your pitas to your liking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all the components ahead, but assemble the pitas just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.


Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into these Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch, you’ll want to check out these other crowd-pleasing favorites from the blog:

And if you’re looking for daily dinner inspiration, follow my boards at Pinterest – Life With Olivia. I pin fresh and fabulous recipes all week long!


Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the corn salsa? Add a little heat with jalapeños? Or maybe swap in a dairy-free ranch?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to ask questions, share tweaks, or show off your plate!


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Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch

Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 pitas

Description

These Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch combine crispy, spiced chicken tenders with refreshing corn salsa and creamy herby ranch, all tucked into warm pita bread. This easy sheet pan dinner is packed with flavor, perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken tenders

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

6 mini pitas or flatbreads

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 medium tomato, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup herby ranch dressing


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Pat dry chicken tenders and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

3. Arrange chicken in a single layer on the sheet pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. In a bowl, mix corn, red onion, tomato, cilantro, and season lightly with salt and lime juice (optional).

5. Warm pitas in a skillet or oven.

6. To assemble, layer each pita with romaine lettuce, roasted chicken, corn salsa, and a drizzle of herby ranch.

7. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

Use an air fryer to reheat leftovers for extra crispiness.

Add avocado or pickled onions for extra flavor depth.

To make it dairy-free, substitute with a plant-based ranch dressing.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sheet Pan
  • Cuisine: American-Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pita
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: chicken pitas, herby ranch, sheet pan dinner

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