Chicken Caesar Pitas made with flavorful smoked chicken will be the perfect quick and easy meal to feed your family this Summer! Try the homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe below to elevate this simple, yet delicious, meal. Be sure to have The Bearded Butcher Original Seasoning on hand, because this recipe features The Original Blend more than once.
These Chicken Caesar Pitas deliver a blend of flavors and textures that elevate the classic Caesar salad into a perfect summertime meal. Crisp romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while the homemade creamy Caesar dressing, binds the ingredients together with its rich, savory notes.
| Yield: 4 | Portion Size: 6 oz. |
| Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook Time: 1 Hour | Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
How to Smoke the Chicken:
Ingredients:
- 2lb Chicken Breast
- 1/4 Cup Bacon Grease
- 2 Tbsp Bearded Butcher Original Blend
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your smoker to 275°F (135°C). As the smoker heats, place a cast iron skillet on the rack to get hot.
- Once the skillet is hot, render your bacon in it until it's beautifully crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet, but be sure to reserve about a quarter cup of the rendered bacon grease.
- Allow the reserved bacon grease to cool slightly. In the meantime, grab a medium-sized bowl and add your raw chicken breasts. Generously coat the chicken with about 2 tablespoons of Bearded Butcher Original Blend Seasoning.
- Now, pour the slightly cooled bacon grease over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in both the grease and the seasoning.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts directly onto the smoker grates. Close the lid and allow the chicken cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes before flipping.
- Continue to cook the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remember, the temperature will rise to the safe 165°F (74°C) after it's removed from the smoker. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken breast; if the juices run clear and the meat is opaque throughout, it's fully cooked.
How to Make the Best Homemade Caesar Dressing:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy, minced
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 3 Large Egg Yolks
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 medium Lemon, Juiced
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, Grated
- 1/2 tsp Bearded Butcher Original Blend
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions:
- Start by prepping your ingredients: separate the egg yolks, squeeze your fresh lemon juice, and grate the Parmesan cheese. For the anchovy and garlic, finely slice both, then chop them together until they form a smooth, paste-like consistency.
- In a medium bowl, add the three egg yolks. Before anything else, whisk these vigorously for about 3 minutes until they turn pale in color and become thick. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps create a stable emulsion.
- Next, add the anchovy and minced garlic paste to the whisked egg yolks. Continue whisking, and while doing so, slowly drizzle in a thin stream of olive oil. Add the oil little by little, ensuring an emulsion forms between the oil and the egg yolk. The mixture should gradually thicken and resemble mayonnaise.
- Finally, incorporate the remaining ingredients: the lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire Sauce, and a good dash of Bearded Butcher Original Blend. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
Assembling the Smoked Chicken Caesar Pitas:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. Cooked Bacon
- 1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Head of Romaine Lettuce
- 1/2 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 Medium Red Onions
- 2 Tbsp Caesar Dressing
- 2 lb. Smoked Chicken Breast, sliced
- Pita Bread
- 2 tsp Bearded Butcher Original Blend
- First, warm your pitas in the smoker for just a few minutes until they're nice and pliable. While they're warming, prep your toppings: finely dice the red onion, quarter the cherry tomatoes, and chop your romaine lettuce.
- Once the pitas are warmed, remove them from the smoker. Now it's time to build! Lay about 6 ounces of sliced smoked chicken onto each pita. In a separate bowl, toss your chopped romaine lettuce with the homemade Caesar dressing, then pile that dressed lettuce on top of the chicken.
- Next, sprinkle on the diced tomatoes and red onions, along with an extra dash of Bearded Butcher Original Seasoning for that extra pop of flavor. The finishing touches are key: add a generous helping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle on the chopped bacon.
- For the perfect bright finish, cut a few lemon wedges and serve one alongside each pita. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving truly elevates all the flavors!
Notes:
- It's crucial to taste your dressing before adding the last ingredients. Anchovies can deliver a very bold flavor, and you want to ensure it's balanced.
- If the dressing is too strong for your liking, you can reduce the amount of anchovies or consider leaving out the Worcestershire sauce since it also contributes to the umami.
- If your dressing doesn't emulsify correctly, a common trick is to whisk in a small bit of mayonnaise to help stabilize the mixture.
- For a truly hands-off approach, simply toss all the dressing ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth!
- The chicken will take about an hour to cook; it also depends on the thickness of the chicken breast. Once removed from the Smoker, allow the chicken breast to rest on the cutting board before slicing into it.
This summer, be sure to try these Smoked Chicken Caesar Pitas with Homemade Caesar dressing. Whether you're seeking a healthier option or a heartier meal, the Smoked Chicken Caesar Pita can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. It's a versatile meal that brings together the best elements of a classic Caesar salad in a convenient form.
Like this recipe? Don't forget to snap a picture and tag us on Facebook and Instagram to let us know how your Smoked Chicken Caesar Pitas turns out!
