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Flavorful Chicken Gyros Recipe with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Glaze

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A quick and easy chicken gyros recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a herb-infused olive oil glaze, served with fresh veggies, pita, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 46 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb-Infused Olive Oil Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped oregano, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the herbs and garlic to infuse the oil.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then add them to the bowl with the glaze. Coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat Your Skillet: Place your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small drizzle of olive oil if your pan isn’t non-stick.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is caramelized. Avoid moving the chicken too much to get a nice crust.
  5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Warm the Pita: While the chicken rests, warm the pita breads in a dry pan or wrap them in foil and heat in a low oven for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Assemble the Gyros: Slice the chicken into thin strips. Lay warm pita on a plate, add shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and chicken strips. Spoon over tzatziki or chosen sauce, sprinkle with crumbled feta if using, and fold or roll up. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the chicken before marinating to help the glaze stick and create a better sear. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic in the glaze. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Optionally finish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes for a smoky char. For dairy-free, substitute tzatziki with tahini or garlic-lemon dressing. Use gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken gyros, herb-infused olive oil, Mediterranean, quick dinner, easy recipe, pita, tzatziki, healthy chicken