Easy, Restaurant-style, Chicken Gyros

Eating out looks very different now – masks, tables spaced out, lots of sanitization, etc. Some people are still not comfortable with going anywhere. There are also some people who have been financially affected by COVID and can’t afford to eat out. These obstacles were my inspiration for this recipe a few months ago.

There was a restaurant across the street from where my husband and I worked a few years back. They had the BEST Gyros but the WORST customer service, so we typically got ours to-go. They eventually closed, and we’ve found other Greek restaurants that have great food, but lately we haven’t been eating out a lot. We wanted some Gyros one day and this recipe was born. I’ve made it a few times since and will continue with this one. It’s easy, doesn’t take a lot of time, and is very filling. I’ve made some French Fries to go with them before, but not every time. This one is kid approved, too! My daughter might pick it apart a little, but she’ll eat most of the components (bread for sure).

My husband, the baker, has a great recipe for Pita but, to make this easier we just get some from the store. It’s best to use a no-pocket Pita for this recipe. If you make your own, you can use the same recipe, just cook it in a skillet like you would a tortilla instead of baking it. I’ve also made my own Tzatziki sauce before, but it is a longer process and sometimes you just want to go the easy route. Our local grocery store has a great one in the specialty department. Full of flavor and thick enough to not drip out of the wrap when you’re eating it. If you’re feeling adventurous, make the bread and sauce completely from scratch, but if you’re like me and need some quick and healthy meals during the week, go ahead and buy them from the store. No judgement from me!

Chicken Gyros
Makes 4-5 Gyros
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Finish time: 5 min

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tbsp dried basil
• 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 c diced red onion
• 1/4 c diced green bell pepper
• 1 12oz container Tzatziki Sauce
• 1 small container spring mix
• 1 medium sized tomato, diced
• 1 6oz container crumbled Feta Cheese
• 1 package Pita or Flatbread

1. Season the cubed chicken with the oil, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, and cinnamon, stirring well to coat evenly.
2. Heat a skillet (I used cast iron) over medium high heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add the chicken and sauté for approx. 8-10 min until internal temperature reaches 165.
3. Move all the chicken to the sides of the skillet, creating a hole in the middle. Add the remaining tbsp of butter and add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté approx. 2 min, then stir together with the chicken and cook a few more mins until onions have softened. Remove from pan.
4. Stack the Pita/flatbread on a microwave safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 sec, the flip the stack over and microwave another 30 sec.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
   • Spread Tzatziki sauce on one side of the Pita/flatbread
   • Place a small amount of spring mix down the middle
   • Add chicken, then tomatoes, then Feta
   • Wrap in parchment paper for less messy eating, and to make it feel like you bought it from a restaurant!