Skillet Chicken Gyros

Introduction

Juicy chicken, caramelized onions, savory Mediterranean spices—skillet chicken gyros are a quick and easy dinner with huge Greek flavor. Seasoned chicken cooks right in the skillet along with sliced onions for a flavorful filling ready in under 30 minutes. Piled into warm pitas and topped with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and feta, these chicken gyros are sure to become a regular weeknight go-to.

Origin of Gyros

Gyros have their origins in Greek and Turkish cuisine. Historically made using meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, the seasoned meat was shaved off to fill pitas. The modern gyro as we know it today was popularized in Greece in the 1960s and brought to America by Greek immigrants.

Benefits of Chicken Gyros

Chicken gyros offer a healthier take on typical gyros by using lean chicken instead of lamb. Benefits include:

• High in lean, low-fat protein
• Contains antioxidants from onion and tomatoes
• Provides probiotics from yogurt-based tzatziki sauce
• Offers important nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin K
• Can be made quickly using simple ingredients

Ingredients

Simple ingredients make easy yet flavorful chicken gyro filling:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Greek seasoning - oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon
• Salt and pepper

Toppings:

• Warm pita bread or naan
• Tzatziki sauce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Feta cheese
• Leaf lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Ingredients

Pat chicken thighs dry and slice onions into thin half-moons. Mince 2 cloves garlic. Juice 1 lemon. Grab pita bread, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and lettuce.

Season Chicken

Season chicken all over with garlic, 2 tsp Greek seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook Chicken and Onion

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through.

Finish Seasoning

Remove chicken and onions to a plate. Add lemon juice and 1 tsp Greek seasoning to the skillet. Return chicken and onions to coat.

Assemble Pitas

Fill warm pitas with chicken, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce.

Customize Toppings

Add other favorite toppings like olives, roasted red peppers, hummus, or avocado.

Inspired Variations

Change up your chicken gyros with these fun ideas:

• Use ground lamb or beef instead of chicken
• Make vegetarian with halloumi cheese or grilled eggplant
• Stuff into tortillas instead of pitas
• Top with ranch, BBQ sauce, or hummus
• Add quinoa or rice pilaf as a filling
• Use lemon-herb seasoned potatoes instead of onions
• Serve gyro meat over salad

Seasoning Ideas

• Ras el hanout
• Za'atar
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Harissa
• Dill
• Mint

Serving Suggestions

These flavorful gyros make for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. Other serving ideas include:

• Appetizers for a Greek theme party
• Meat for a pita sandwich bar
• Toppings for a Greek salad
• Filling for lettuce wrap boats
• Picnic sandwiches

Sides

Pair gyros with classic Greek sides like:

• Tzatziki sauce
• Greek salad
• Hummus and pita chips
• Baba ghanoush
• Roasted lemon potatoes
• Stuffed grape leaves

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat chicken in a skillet and assemble fresh pitas.

Storage Tips

• Let filling cool before refrigerating
• Seal tightly in containers
• Avoid cross contamination
• Refrigerate within 2 hours

Freezing

Freeze chicken filling up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Common Questions

What's the best chicken cut for gyros?

Chicken thighs work great since they stay moist during cooking. Breasts work too.

Can I use pork or beef instead?

Absolutely. Ground lamb, pork or beef are all tasty options.

Is plain yogurt an acceptable sub for tzatziki?

In a pinch, yes. For best flavor, whip plain Greek yogurt with diced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.

Can I make these on the grill?

Yes, grill chicken about 6 minutes per side over direct medium heat until cooked through.

Can I freeze any leftovers?

You can freeze extra chicken filling for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Quick yet bursting with flavor, skillet chicken gyros are perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with savory Greek spices and fresh toppings, they make an easy homemade version of a favorite takeout food. Customize with your favorite fillings and sides for a fast dinner the whole family will devour. Opaaa!