Easy Shawarma Chicken Gyros
A 30-minute meal that tastes like it came from a legit Mediterranean restaurant (and costs a fraction of the price).
January screams 30-minute meals to me.
It’s that post-holiday, getting-into-the-swing-of-a-new-year kind of vibe.
I love a dinner that’s low effort and high yield, and THIS is that recipe.
It's versatile, simple, and unbelievably delicious. While you won't have meat roasting on a spit, the flavors are just as intense and balanced as you expect from a good gyro. This recipe takes inspiration from a wide spread of Mediterranean fare and packs it into a single dish. From Levantine-inspired shawarma spices to classic Greek tirokafteri (spicy feta spread), this gyro is truly to die for.
One of the best things about this easy gyro recipe is that most of the cooking lies in the prep work. In fact, you could make this entire recipe a day ahead of time, or make a large batch and eat it throughout the week. It's an upscale work lunch that feels like going out, a simple weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout, and a meal-prep dish you won't tire of. Overall, it's a total treat—accompanied by very minimal work.
SWAPS & SUBSTITUTIONS
If you're looking for substitutions in this easy gyro recipe, let this be your guide. While you definitely don't want to substitute the feta, roasted red bell peppers, oregano, or pita bread, you can certainly switch up other components of the dish. Substitute green bell peppers for the cucumbers, or add different varieties of tomatoes to the Greek salad. You can also add basil or mint along with the oregano for a little extra brightness.
If you're hoping to switch up the protein, swap the boneless, skinless chicken for ground beef or ground lamb. Simply add the seasonings to the ground meat, being careful not to overmix, and pack it onto a skewer. Broil, turning every few minutes, until cooked through.
For a vegetarian option, use portobello mushrooms. This is a one-for-one swap with the chicken, so proceed through the recipe as written.
microplane zester, for grating garlic