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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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