Herb-Marinated Mediterranean Chicken Gyro
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C). Transfer to a plate and allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing.
Warm the Pita:
Lightly heat the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute per side, just until warm and flexible.
Assemble the Gyros:
Slice the chicken into thin strips. Add a generous portion to the center of each pita, then layer with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion.
Garnish and Serve:
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Roll the pita tightly around the filling, secure if needed, and serve immediately.
Nutritional & Time Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30–120 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55–145 minutes
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
- Yield: 4 servings
