Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Panini Style Chicken Gyros! Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and wrapped in warm, soft pita, these gyros are a delightful twist on a classic dish that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe promises to impress with its juicy chicken and refreshing toppings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your cooking game—let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by slicing the chicken breast into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil and dried oregano. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the vegetable toppings by washing and slicing tomatoes and cucumbers into thin rounds. Shred the lettuce using a sharp knife or salad chopper.
- Warm the pita breads in a separate pan or briefly in the oven to make them more pliable and enhance their texture.
- Assemble the gyros by placing a warm pita bread on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce across the bread.
- Layer the cooked chicken strips down the center of the pita, then top with shredded lettuce, tomato, and cucumber slices.
- Fold the sides of the pita inward and press gently in a panini press or heated skillet to create a crisp exterior and seal the ingredients.
- Cut the gyros diagonally and serve immediately while warm, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a longer period—up to an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the oregano and olive oil to infuse the chicken deeply.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add sliced red onions, bell peppers, or even feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Warm the Pita Properly: To achieve the best texture, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This will make them more pliable and enhance their flavor.
- Pressing for Perfection: If you have a panini press, use it to give your gyros a crispy exterior. If not, simply press them in a hot skillet with a heavy pan on top to achieve the same effect.
- Serve with Extra Tzatziki: Always serve your gyros with extra tzatziki sauce on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a refreshing touch to each bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
