Description
Mediterranean street food magic unfolds with roast chicken shawarma gyros, marrying bold spices and tender meat in a handheld feast. Crisp pita wraps packed with juicy chicken, tangy tzatziki, and fresh herbs promise a flavor journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Serving Ingredients:
- 4–6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, and aromatic Middle Eastern spices in a large container or resealable plastic bag, creating a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with intense flavors.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring every surface is well-covered, then seal and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour or ideally overnight to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, spreading pieces evenly to promote consistent roasting and allow air circulation.
- Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F, which guarantees safe and juicy meat.
- For additional texture and caramelization, switch oven to broil and crisp chicken edges for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice roasted chicken into thin, uniform strips that will easily fit inside soft pita or flatbread.
- Warm pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or oven to enhance their pliability and bring out their subtle flavor.
- Spread a generous layer of cool, tangy tzatziki sauce on each bread, creating a creamy base for the other ingredients.
- Layer sliced chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and optional crumbled feta cheese for a traditional Mediterranean-style presentation.
- Carefully fold or roll the gyro, tucking in the sides to create a neat, portable package that captures all the delicious components.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing diners to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and temperatures.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results, as they retain more moisture during roasting compared to chicken breasts.
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting quantities or adding smoked paprika for extra depth, making the dish adaptable to personal taste preferences.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pitas or lettuce wraps, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg