Is chicken gyro pita healthy?

Both chicken gyros and chicken pitas can offer health benefits, depending on their preparation. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and when paired with fresh vegetables and whole-grain pita bread, these dishes provide a balanced meal. However, watch out for high-calorie sauces like tzatziki or garlic sauce, as well as portion sizes. Opting for grilled or roasted chicken can also reduce fat content.

What is chicken gyro made of?

A chicken gyro typically consists of marinated chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Chefs thinly slice the meat and serve it in a warm pita wrap with toppings like tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes fries. The marinade often includes garlic, oregano, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a bold Mediterranean flavor.

What is the difference between Greek and regular pita bread?

Greek pita bread is usually softer and thicker compared to regular pita bread, which is thinner and often used to make pocket-style sandwiches. Greek pita is ideal for wraps, as it doesn’t tear as easily and provides a more substantial base for fillings like chicken gyros. Regular pita bread, on the other hand, is perfect for stuffing with ingredients, as its pocket can hold a variety of toppings.

Can you substitute one for the other in recipes?

While both dishes share similarities, understanding the difference between chicken gyro and chicken pita will help you make the right choice. For instance, the smoky flavor of chicken gyro complements tzatziki-based dishes, while the versatility of chicken pita works well with a wider variety of fillings and sauces.

Difference between chicken gyro and chicken pita

Name: What's the difference between chicken gyro and chicken pita?
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 pita breads; 1 cup tzatziki sauce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; ½ cup sliced red onions; 1 cup shredded lettuce; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

For Chicken Gyro

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste

For Chicken Pita

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Common Toppings and Accompaniments

4 pita breads
1 cup tzatziki sauce
1 cup diced tomatoes
½ cup sliced red onions
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

Chicken Gyro

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Marinate Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C), about 5-7 minutes per side. Slice thinly.
Assemble Gyro: Layer pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and optional feta cheese. Roll and serve.

Chicken Pita

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Chicken: Add chicken strips to the marinade. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips until golden and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Assemble Pita: Place chicken strips into a pita bread. Add tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and optional feta. Fold and serve warm.

Notes

Use store-bought tzatziki for convenience, or make your own with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
Chicken Gyro is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but a grill or skillet works well for home cooking.
Chicken Pita is faster to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

Author: monica
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (Gyro), 30 minutes (Pita)
Category: Main Course, Wraps, Sandwiches
Method: Grilling, Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: 450 Kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g

Keywords: chicken gyro recipe, chicken pita recipe, Mediterranean chicken recipes, Greek pita bread, homemade tzatziki, grilled chicken pita, easy chicken gyro, Greek street food, healthy Mediterranean recipes