Coconut‑Spiced Chicken Pita Bowls with Peach‑Salsa
Looking for a fresh, protein‑rich lunch that’s ready in a flash? This coconut‑spiced chicken bowl brings buttery tropical vibes, crisp pita, and a sweet peach salsa that’s a true flavor surprise. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or meal‑prep lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite‑size cubes
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 medium peaches, diced
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 2 large whole‑grain pita breads, torn into wedges
- 100g roasted pumpkin seeds (optional, for crunch)
- Plain Greek yogurt or labneh, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut oil, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes, toss until evenly coated, and let marinate for 5 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir‑fry until cooked through and caramelized, about 8‑10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, blend the peaches, mint, lemon juice, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt until slightly chunky.
- As the chicken cooks, warm the pita wedges in a dry skillet or oven to crisp, about 2 minutes.
- Plate: arrange torn pita wedges in a shallow bowl or on a platter, top with the coconut‑spiced chicken, drizzle peach salsa over the top, and sprinkle pumpkin seeds.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh if desired.
- Serve immediately while the pita is warm and the salsa is vibrant.
Chef's Note
For a keto twist, swap the pita for lettuce cups and double the pumpkin seeds. The yogurt adds a cool contrast to the spicy coconut flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
The steak can be marinated up to 24 hrs in the fridge, and the peach salsa stays bright for 2 days when stored in an airtight container.
Substitutions
Chicken → Firm tofu or tempeh for a vegan version,Whole‑grain pita → Gluten‑free pita or rice paper,Peach salsa → Berry salsa (raspberries or strawberries) for a seasonal tweak