Description
This Sheet Pan Chicken Gyros recipe offers a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring marinated chicken baked to perfection, served with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce and fresh toppings. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender, smoky chicken with tangy yogurt sauce and warm pita bread for a satisfying and easy-to-make gyro.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Feta Tzatziki Sauce
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1-2 Persian cucumbers, shredded
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
To Serve
- 6 fresh pitas or naan, warmed
- Pickled red onion, for topping
- Lettuce, for topping
- Dill, for garnish
- Parsley, for garnish
- Harissa (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic, chopped shallots, smoked paprika, chopped fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the marinated chicken evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss the chicken to ensure even cooking. Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Char: Switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to allow the edges of the chicken to char and develop that signature gyro smoky flavor without burning.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine the feta cheese, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the remaining 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, shredded cucumbers, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pitas or naan bread. Spread a generous amount of the feta tzatziki onto each pita. Layer with fresh lettuce, the baked chicken pieces, pickled red onions, and fresh dill and parsley. Drizzle additional tzatziki sauce on top and add harissa if desired for some heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
- Keep an eye on the chicken when broiling to prevent burning, as char can happen quickly.
- Use Persian cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds, or substitute with English cucumbers.
- Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste that pairs beautifully with the gyros if you like heat. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute the pita or naan with gluten-free flatbreads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean