Name: Roast Chicken Shawarma Gyros
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ¼ cup olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 4–6 pita or flatbreads; 1 cup tzatziki sauce; 1 cup chopped lettuce; 1 large tomato, sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)

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Roast Chicken Shawarma Gyros are a flavorful, street food–style dish that brings Middle Eastern spices and Mediterranean flair together in one irresistible wrap. Juicy, marinated chicken is roasted until tender and golden, then tucked into warm pita or flatbread and topped with fresh veggies, creamy garlic sauce or tzatziki, and tangy pickles. It’s the ultimate fusion of comfort, spice, and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gyros are packed with bold flavors from a warm, spiced marinade that turns simple chicken into something truly mouthwatering. Roasting the chicken makes the process easy and hands-off while still delivering restaurant-quality taste. The toppings are fresh and customizable, making this a perfect dinner for families or guests. It’s satisfying, vibrant, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken shawarma:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Olive oil
Garlic
Lemon juice
Ground cumin
Ground paprika
Ground coriander
Ground turmeric
Ground cinnamon
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt
Black pepper

For serving:

Pita bread or flatbread
Sliced cucumber
Tomato slices
Red onion
Lettuce or arugula
Pickled red onions or turnips (optional)
Tzatziki or garlic sauce
Fresh parsley or mint (optional)

directions

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices.
Add the chicken and coat well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Arrange marinated chicken on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly charred on the edges.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Warm the pita or flatbreads.
Assemble gyros by layering chicken with your choice of toppings and sauce. Wrap and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes (with marinating)

Variations

Use a yogurt-based marinade for extra tenderness and tang.
Add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Serve as a salad bowl instead of a wrap for a low-carb option.
Make it spicy with a drizzle of harissa or chili garlic sauce.
Try grilling the chicken instead of roasting for smoky flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Assembled gyros are best fresh—store components separately and assemble just before serving.
The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is chicken shawarma?

Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made by marinating chicken in warm spices and slow roasting or grilling it until tender and flavorful.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, though thighs are juicier and more forgiving.

What’s the difference between shawarma and gyro?

Shawarma is Middle Eastern and typically spiced differently than Greek gyros, which use Mediterranean herbs and often feature pork or lamb.

Can I cook the chicken on the grill instead of the oven?

Absolutely—grill over medium heat until charred and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side.

What sauces go best with shawarma gyros?

Tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, or even hummus work great as toppings.

Are these gyros spicy?

Not by default, but you can add cayenne or hot sauce for heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just use a dairy-free sauce and avoid yogurt-based marinades.

What bread works best for gyros?

Pita, naan, or soft flatbreads work best for wrapping and holding the fillings.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken in advance and cook it just before serving. Toppings can also be prepped ahead.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with fries, Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Roast Chicken Shawarma Gyros are the perfect way to enjoy bold, spiced flavors with a fresh, modern twist. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining. With juicy chicken, fresh toppings, and creamy sauce wrapped in soft bread, this dish brings delicious street-food flair right to your kitchen.

Roast Chicken Shawarma Gyros