Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Pitas

by | Jul 18, 2021

Try making these air fryer fajitas with fresh bell peppers, yogurt marinated chicken, tahini sauce, and pita bread! A flavorful spin on classic fajitas. Air fryer and oven instructions included.

Close up of pita pockets filled with cooked chicken

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How do you make chicken fajita pitas?

With the summer heat, I try to avoid using the oven as much as possible. Thatโ€™s why I love making these fajita inspired chicken pitas in the air fryer. It seems like a lot of steps but itโ€™s actually quite simple. Letโ€™s break it down: 

  1. First, cook the peppers and onion mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes or until peppers are softened and slightly browned.
  2. Then, cook the marinated chicken. I like to cook the chicken after the peppers since it is slightly messier with the marinade. 
  3. While everything is cooking, mix together tahini sauce. Tahini is not typically served with fajitas but trust me, it makes such a flavorful, creamy addition. If you end up with leftover tahini sauce, drizzle it over hummus or on top of power bowls
  4. Finally, assemble pitas. Cut pita bread in half and stuff with cooked peppers, chicken, lettuce, and tahini sauce.

If you donโ€™t have an air fryer, donโ€™t worry. Iโ€™ve included instructions for the oven as well.

Are these chicken pitas healthy?

These fajita pitas are definitely a healthy choice to enjoy throughout the week. The Greek yogurt marinade and chicken provides a substantial amount of proteinโ€”about 38 grams per serving! This protein helps us feel fuller longer and promotes muscle recovery

These pitas are also filled with colorful bell peppers. Whether you choose red, yellow, orange, or a mixture of peppersโ€”you’ll get a healthy dose of important nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Pita breads and tahini sauce on white marble

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, these fajita pitas are completely customizable. You get to choose what spices you want to use to marinade the chicken.

I typically like to use a mixture of curry powder, ginger, and black pepper but you can use anything you like best. Single spices and spice blends are all welcome in this recipe. Spices are a great way to add major flavor without added calories. 

Whatever spices you choose, youโ€™ll add 2 tablespoons of spices in total to your yogurt marinade. Here are some ideas to try:

  • Fajita seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Black pepper
  • Or a mixture of spices!

Looking for more customizable recipes made for you and your health goals? Click here to learn more about my Coaching + Cooking program.

Two pita pockets stacked on white marble background

Can you make this recipe ahead of time? 

If you are looking for a satisfying meal prep recipe, these pitas are a great option. Simply prep your peppers and marinade your chicken the day before. Then, once it comes time to cook, everything is ready to go. 

You can also cook everything ahead of time so all you have to do is add it to pita bread. Store any leftover cooked peppers and chicken for up to 4 days in the fridge. 

Need more hands-on help with cooking?

If you need more help when it comes to chopping veggies and planning out meals, my virtual cooking program is the perfect option for youโ€”click here to learn more about the โ€œCoaching + Cookingโ€ program.

Chicken Pitas 4 scaled

Chicken Fajita Pitas with Tahini Sauce

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
These protein-packed pitas are filled with roasted bell peppers, yogurt marinated chicken, and tahini sauce! A flavorful spin on classic fajitas.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 pitas
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons spices of your choice (I like to use curry powder but you can use any spices you like. Try fajita seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, black pepper, or a mixture of spices!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound raw chicken breast tenders

Pepper Ingredients:

  • 2 bell peppers of your choice, sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 red onion sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tahini Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup raw tahini
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, about 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

  • 4 whole grain pita breads, halved
  • 2 cups chopped lettuce

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine Greek yogurt, spices, and salt. Add over chicken tenders and toss until coated. Marinade for 6 hours or overnight in the fridge.
  • In another large bowl, combine peppers, red onion, oil, and salt and pepper.ย 
  • Oven instructions: Preheat oven to 425ยฐF and spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Using tongs, remove chicken from marinade and shake off any excess yogurt; discard leftover yogurt mixture. Arrange chicken on one side of baking sheet. On the other side, add peppers and onions. Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and peppers have softened. For more char, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.ย 
  • Air fryer instructions: Preheat air fryer to 400ยฐF. Cook pepper and onions for 10 minutes, then remove from air fryer. Using tongs, remove chicken from marinade and shake off any excess yogurt; discard leftover yogurt mixture. Add chicken to same air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping tenders halfway through. Chop chicken into smaller pieces when finished cooking, if desired.
  • While everything is cooking, combine all tahini sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  • Serve cooked chicken and vegetables in pita bread pockets with lettuce and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Notes

Store any leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pitaCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 35gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!

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These protein-packed pitas are filled with with roasted bell peppers, yogurt marinated chicken, and tahini sauce! A flavorful spin on classic fajitas.

Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

nice to meet you!

Iโ€™m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients โ€œof your choice.โ€ I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

Need more hands-on help?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian!

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