Who doesn’t love a tasty and satisfying wrap packed with bold flavors? Moroccan Chicken Gyros offer a delightful twist on the classic Mediterranean street food. By infusing Moroccan-inspired spices and pairing them with fresh Mediterranean elements, this dish is a perfect fusion of two vibrant cuisines. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or just craving something new, Moroccan Chicken Gyros are sure to excite your taste buds.
Imagine tender, spiced chicken tucked into warm flatbread, layered with creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Let's get started on making this crowd-pleaser at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess liquid
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (you can also use mint)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
For the Gyros:
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced red onion
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce or arugula
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Optional Add-ons:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Pickled vegetables
- Hummus spread
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, and all the spices (paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Add the chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the marinade. Toss them to ensure they're fully coated. Cover the bowl or transfer the chicken and marinade to a sealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinate for 4–6 hours (overnight is even better).
- Bring to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat. If using an oven, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade. For grilling, cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until the chicken is charred and cooked through. For oven roasting, place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Add the grated and squeezed cucumber to a bowl. (Removing the excess water prevents your sauce from becoming runny.)
- Mix in the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth. For extra creaminess, drizzle in a bit of olive oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Moroccan Chicken Gyros
- Warm your flatbreads or pitas in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on the flatbread.
- Add a few slices of the spiced chicken.
- Layer with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and herbs. If you’d like, sprinkle crumbled feta or add pickled veggies for extra tang.
- Fold the flatbread like a taco or roll it tightly like a wrap. Secure it with parchment paper for easy eating.
Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or spiced roasted eggplant slices.
- Low-Carb Version: Use lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps instead of flatbread.
- Extra Heat: Spice things up with a drizzle of harissa or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These gyros pair beautifully with a side of crispy potato wedges, Moroccan-inspired couscous, or a fresh green salad. For drinks, try a refreshing mint tea or a light, citrusy lemonade.
Storage Tips
- Leftover Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling your gyros.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This sauce stays fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days. Keep it in a covered container.
- Flatbreads: Store in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Moroccan Chicken Gyros take the simple joy of Mediterranean gyros and elevate it with warming, aromatic spices. With their vibrant flavors and customizable toppings, they’re the perfect meal for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers. Once you try your hand at this recipe, you may just find yourself craving it again and again!
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