Sizzling Shawarma Gyros: Juicy Roast Chicken Recipe Magic

Succulent spices dance across tender roast chicken shawarma gyros, weaving a culinary tale of Middle Eastern street food magic.

Aromatic herbs and bold seasonings create an irresistible flavor profile that beckons hungry palates.

Marinated chicken transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with zest.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through vibrant Mediterranean traditions.

Wrapped in warm pita and adorned with fresh vegetables, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your kitchen.

Crisp textures and rich, layered flavors make these gyros an instant crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Shawarma Gyro Ingredient Roundup

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and keeps chicken moist during roasting.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic base with robust savory notes.
• Spice Blend: Creates authentic shawarma profile with warm, complex undertones.

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Pita or Flatbread: Soft, pillowy carrier for ingredients, choose fresh or slightly warmed.
• Tzatziki: Creamy, cooling sauce that balances spicy chicken, select thick Greek-style yogurt version.
• Lettuce: Adds crisp texture and fresh green element, romaine or butter lettuce work best.
• Tomatoes: Provides juicy, fresh component, ripe Roma or vine-ripened recommended.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crunchy accent that cuts through rich flavors, thinly slice for best integration.
• Feta Cheese: Optional tangy, salty cheese that enhances Mediterranean profile.

Items for a Wrap That Hits All the Notes

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient amounts.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting chicken evenly.
• Parchment paper or foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing chicken and vegetables.
• Dry skillet or oven: Used for warming pita or flatbreads.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for slicing ingredients.

Marinate, Roast, and Build Those Gyros

• Infuse Flavor

Mix zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, rich olive oil, and aromatic spices in a container. Submerge chicken completely, ensuring every inch gets coated. Seal and let marinate in refrigerator for minimum one hour or overnight.

• Fire Up the Oven

Heat oven to 400°F. Spread marinated chicken on lined baking sheet. Roast until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 25-30 minutes. For extra caramelization, broil briefly at end. Allow chicken to rest and slice into juicy strips.

• Create Delicious Wrap

Gently warm flatbreads in skillet. Slather creamy tzatziki across surface. Layer with tender chicken strips, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sharp red onions, and optional crumbled feta. Fold into handheld masterpiece. Serve immediately while warm and bursting with mediterranean flavors.

Add Layers of Flavor With These Tricks

• Let the chicken soak up flavors overnight for an incredibly tender and richly seasoned result that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Moroccan ras el hanout or Indian garam masala to transform the flavor profile instantly.
• Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu for a delicious vegetarian version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Use lettuce wraps or gluten-free flatbreads to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without losing an ounce of deliciousness.
• Cook extra chicken and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, creating instant weeknight dinner shortcuts or perfect lunch leftovers.

Serve With Pita, Rice, or Salad

• Flavor Fiesta Plate: Serve with a colorful Mediterranean salad featuring cucumber, olives, and fresh herbs to complement the chicken's spicy marinade.
• Dip Delight Station: Create a side spread of additional tzatziki, hummus, and harissa sauce for guests to customize their gyro experience with extra sauces.
• Family-Style Feast: Arrange all ingredients on a large platter, allowing everyone to build their own gyros with fresh pita, sliced chicken, and toppings for an interactive meal.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Match the roasted chicken shawarma with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light Greek beer to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Save the Rest for Quick Weeknight Meals

• Cook extra chicken shawarma during weekend meal prep to use throughout the week in salads, wraps, and quick lunches.
• Keep sliced roasted chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and easy meal assembly.
• Portion marinated or cooked chicken into freezer bags, removing excess air to maintain quality for up to 3 months – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out, maintaining its delicious shawarma flavor.

Juicy Roast Chicken Shawarma Gyros Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean street fare comes alive with roast chicken shawarma gyros, offering a symphony of spices and textures. Juicy marinated chicken nestled in warm pita promises a delicious journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsps paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 4–6 pita or flatbreads
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (28 g) crumbled feta (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marination Fusion: Combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, and aromatic spices in a bowl or zip-top bag, creating a vibrant marinade. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Thermal Transformation: Calibrate oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring complete culinary doneness. For enhanced caramelization, activate broiler for 2-3 minutes, creating delectable char. Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes, then slice into elegant strips.
3. Gyro Assembly Artistry: Gently warm pita or flatbreads in dry skillet or oven. Generously spread tzatziki as foundational layer. Strategically layer sliced roasted chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sharp red onion, and optional crumbled feta. Carefully fold or wrap, transforming ingredients into handheld Mediterranean delight. Serve immediately while ingredients retain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Allow chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination intensifies flavors and tenderizes meat more effectively.
• Broiling for 2-3 minutes creates delicious crispy edges and adds depth to the chicken’s flavor profile, enhancing overall texture and taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Swap pita with lettuce wraps for low-carb option, use plant-based tzatziki for vegetarian adaptation, or choose gluten-free flatbread for alternative dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg