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To make these flavorful gyros, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 medium tomato, diced - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - 4 whole wheat pita breads These ingredients create a tasty dish full of bold flavors. You can add these for extra flavor and fun: - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Crumbled feta cheese These additions give your gyros a nice touch. You will need a few simple tools to make this recipe: - Medium mixing bowl - Whisk - Large non-stick skillet - Spatula - Plate for the cooked chicken - Knife and cutting board Having these tools ready makes cooking easier and more fun. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until smooth. Add the chicken thighs and coat each piece well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. When done, move the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into strips. Without cleaning the skillet, add diced cucumber, diced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Season these with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them crisp but slightly soft. This mix will add fresh flavor to your gyros. While cooking the veggies, warm the whole wheat pita breads. You can place them in a dry skillet over low heat or microwave them for 15-20 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fill. Now comes the fun part! Take a warmed pita and fill it with a generous amount of sautéed vegetables. Add the sliced chicken on top. For extra flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This makes each bite colorful and tasty. Serve the gyros warm on a wooden board or platter. Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch. You can also include extra diced cucumber and tomato on the side. This gives your meal a fresh crunch and looks great on the table. To make your chicken gyros burst with flavor, the marinade is key. Use fresh ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt. Mix them well in a bowl. Add dried oregano, ground cumin, and smoked paprika for depth. The salt and black pepper enhance the taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it overnight. This will give the chicken a rich flavor. When cooking your chicken, use a large non-stick skillet. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for about 7-8 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making it tender. How you present your gyros can impress your guests. Use a wooden board or a nice platter for serving. Arrange the chicken strips and veggies in the pita neatly. Add crumbled feta cheese on top for a pop of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. This adds a zesty touch and looks great too! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or even overnight, for deeper flavor and tenderness. Keep the Skillet Hot: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken; this helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the taste and nutritional value of your gyros. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, bell peppers, or tzatziki sauce to personalize your gyros. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try using other proteins. Lamb is a classic choice for gyros. It adds a rich flavor. Turkey is another lean option that works well. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just marinate it like the chicken. Another great protein is shrimp. It cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the flavors. For a vegetarian meal, use chickpeas or lentils. Both have great texture and soak up flavor. You can also use grilled halloumi cheese. It offers a nice salty touch. Stuff the pita with roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers. This adds a sweet and smoky taste. Don’t forget to top it with tzatziki made from Greek yogurt and cucumber. Feel free to mix up the vegetables in your gyros. Try adding bell peppers for crunch and color. Spinach or arugula can add a fresh taste. You might also like using shredded carrots for a bit of sweetness. Experiment with different herbs, like dill or mint, to change the flavor. Each combination gives a new twist on the classic dish. Store leftover gyros in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the pita fresh, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat. This keeps the pita soft and warm. You can also microwave the filling for about 30 seconds. Make sure to cover it to avoid drying out. You can freeze the chicken and veggies separately. Use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can marinate chicken for gyros for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This time allows the spices and yogurt to soak into the meat. If you have more time, you can even marinate it overnight in the fridge. Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Chicken breasts are leaner than thighs. They can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they reach 165°F. To warm pita bread, you can use a skillet or microwave. In a skillet, heat them over low heat for a few seconds on each side. If you use the microwave, heat them for 15-20 seconds. Warm bread makes filling them easier. Yes, you can make gyros without yogurt. If you want a dairy-free option, use a mix of olive oil and lemon juice. You can also replace yogurt with mashed avocado for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit. For sides, try a simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with tzatziki sauce for dipping. Pita chips or a fresh cucumber salad are great options too. These sides will complement the flavors of the gyros nicely. You learned how to make tasty one-pan chicken gyros. We covered key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to suit your taste. Don't forget proper storage for leftovers! Now, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and have fun creating your own unique gyros!

One Pan Chicken Gyros

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring marinated chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 piece red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 pieces whole wheat pita breads
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • optional crumbled feta cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  • Without cleaning the skillet, add the diced cucumber, diced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened while still maintaining a crisp texture.
  • While the vegetables are sautéing, warm the whole wheat pita breads in a dry skillet over low heat or microwave for about 15-20 seconds until soft and pliable.
  • To assemble, cut the rested chicken thighs into strips. Take a warmed pita and fill it with a generous portion of the sautéed vegetables. Top with the sliced chicken, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  • Serve the gyros immediately while warm, accompanied by extra Greek yogurt on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

Serve the gyros on a wooden board or platter for a rustic look, with a side of lemon wedges for an extra zing.
Keyword chicken, easy meal, gyros, one pan