One Pan Chicken Gyros

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 medium tomato, diced - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 4 whole wheat pita breads When I make One Pan Chicken Gyros, I start with the main ingredients. The chicken thighs are key. They stay juicy and tender. I mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. This marinade adds flavor and moisture. Next, I add garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mix. Garlic gives a nice kick, while oregano and cumin add depth. These flavors work well together. I let the chicken soak in this mix for about 30 minutes. While the chicken marinates, I prepare the fresh additions. Dicing cucumber and tomato is easy. I slice the red onion thinly. These veggies add crunch and freshness. I keep chopped parsley for garnish. Feta cheese is optional, but it adds a creamy touch. Finally, I warm the whole wheat pita breads. They are soft and perfect for holding all the delicious fillings. With these ingredients ready, I know I am set for a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating the chicken is key to flavor. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang. The olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Lemon juice brightens the taste, while garlic, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika give depth. Letting the chicken sit in this mix allows the flavors to blend. - Heat skillet over medium heat and cook marinated chicken for 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Remove from skillet and rest before slicing. When you cook the chicken, be sure the skillet is hot enough. This helps achieve a nice sear. You want it to be golden brown on both sides. Letting it rest afterward is important. This keeps the juices inside, making it tender and juicy when you slice it. - Sauté diced cucumber, tomato, and sliced onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes. Use the same skillet for the vegetables. This way, you get the leftover flavors from the chicken. Sauté them just until they soften a bit, but keep them crisp. It adds a fresh crunch to the gyros. - Warm whole wheat pita breads in a pan or microwave (15-20 seconds). Warming the pita makes it soft and pliable. You can use a dry pan or the microwave. Just 15-20 seconds is all you need. This helps the pita hold the filling without tearing. - Slice rested chicken thighs and place in warm pita with sautéed vegetables. - Add crumbled feta and parsley for garnish. To assemble, slice the rested chicken into strips. Take a warm pita, fill it with the sautéed vegetables, and add the chicken. Crumbled feta and fresh parsley on top add a nice touch. - Serve immediately with extra Greek yogurt for dipping. Enjoy your gyros right away. The extra Greek yogurt on the side is great for dipping or drizzling. This adds creaminess and a little tang to each bite. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken thighs. Use Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. This mix adds depth and moisture. Cover the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better results, marinate it overnight. This allows the spices to soak in deeply and makes the chicken tender. To cook the chicken without drying it out, use medium heat. Sear each side for about 7-8 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F inside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in. For the veggies, sauté diced cucumber, tomato, and onion in the same skillet. Cook for just 3-4 minutes. You want them soft but still a bit crunchy. To warm pita bread, a quick stove method works best. Place them in a dry pan over low heat for 30-60 seconds on each side. Alternatively, microwave them for 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft and pliable. If you want extra softness, wrap them in a damp paper towel while microwaving. This adds moisture and makes them even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat. Use Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for a more vibrant flavor profile in your gyros. Perfectly Warm Pita: For the best texture, heat your pita bread in a skillet with a little olive oil instead of the microwave. Extra Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like kalamata olives or tzatziki sauce for a delicious twist on your gyros. {{image_2}} For a tasty twist, you can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. This will give you a leaner meal. Turkey is another great choice. It has a similar taste and cooks well. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try chickpeas. They pack a protein punch and work great in gyros. Halloumi cheese is another fun choice. It grills nicely and adds a rich flavor. Want to make your gyros even better? Try adding spices like coriander or chili powder for extra heat. A touch of tahini can also bring a nice creaminess. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Mint and dill are perfect choices. They add freshness and go well with the other flavors. Don't forget about toppings, too! Sliced olives and pickled red onions can add zest. You can serve gyros in many ways. Want a lighter meal? Try a salad base instead of pita. Just layer the cooked chicken and veggies on your greens. For sides, Greek salad is a great match. It’s fresh and pairs perfectly with the gyros. Tzatziki sauce is another classic option. The coolness of the yogurt contrasts nicely with the spices in the dish. To store leftover chicken gyros, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store them for up to three days. Marinated chicken lasts longer than cooked chicken. Marinated chicken can stay fresh for up to two days, while cooked chicken is best within three days. For reheating chicken and vegetables, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps retain the food’s flavor and moisture. Heat for about five minutes until warmed through. When reheating pita, use a dry pan or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This keeps the pita soft and tasty. Yes, you can freeze chicken gyros! To freeze, place the cooked chicken and vegetables in airtight bags. Squeeze out extra air before sealing. For pita, wrap each one in foil or plastic. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving. To marinate chicken for gyros, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken great flavor and keeps it tender. Coat the chicken thighs well. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for longer. Yes, you can make these gyros ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken a day before. Just keep it in the fridge. You can also chop the veggies and warm the pita ahead of time. Store everything separately until you are ready to eat. This way, the gyros stay fresh and tasty. If you need a substitute for Greek yogurt, try sour cream or plain yogurt. You can also use dairy-free yogurt made from almond or coconut milk. These options work well, but keep in mind they may change the flavor a bit. Choose a thick yogurt for the best result. You can tell when the chicken is fully cooked by checking its color. The meat should be golden brown and no longer pink inside. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Yes, there are gluten-free options for pita. Look for gluten-free pita bread at the store. Many brands use rice flour or chickpea flour. You can also make your own gluten-free pita at home using almond flour or coconut flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the gyros. In this post, I detailed how to make delicious chicken gyros. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs, yogurt, and spices. I provided steps for marinating, cooking, and assembling your gyros. Plus, I shared tips for perfect pita and various flavor options. Enjoy crafting your gyros, and don’t hesitate to get creative! You can adjust flavors and ingredients as you like. These gyros can be a fun and tasty meal for any occasion.$

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring marinated chicken thighs served in warm pita with fresh vegetables.

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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 lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste Salt and pepper
1 large cucumber, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
1 piece red onion, thinly sliced
4 pieces whole wheat pita breads
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
optional Feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown color. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In the same skillet, add the diced cucumber, tomato, and sliced red onion. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
While the vegetables are cooking, separately warm the whole wheat pita breads in a dry pan or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until they are soft and pliable.
To assemble, slice the rested chicken thighs into strips. Take a warm pita, add a generous scoop of the sautéed vegetables, and top with the sliced chicken. For an extra touch, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top.
Serve immediately with extra Greek yogurt on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if possible.

Keyword chicken, easy meal, gyros, one-pan