There’s nothing like a Chicken Gyros Bowl to bring a taste of Greece right into your kitchen! This dish is a favorite in my household and one I’ve been making for years. It’s a great Fakeaway option, combining juicy, flavorful chicken, homemade flatbreads, and a side of perfectly fried halloumi. Whether you’re making your flatbreads from scratch or going for a store-bought shortcut, this recipe is a winner for a quick and satisfying meal.
Method
Marinate the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken thighs for cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine the fat-free yogurt, shawarma seasoning, and shawarma paste to create a flavorful marinade. Mix the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor. Once coated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure they are secure and spaced slightly apart for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer or grill and cook the skewered chicken for about 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. To ensure the chicken is tender and safe to eat, check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Once done, set the chicken aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.
Prepare the Flatbreads
While the chicken cooks, start making the flatbreads. In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, salt, and garlic granules to infuse the bread with a subtle garlic flavor. Gradually add the 0% Greek yogurt, stirring as you go, until the mixture forms a soft, pliable dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into two equal portions, then roll each portion out into thin, even flatbreads using a rolling pin. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook each flatbread for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they develop golden spots. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Once cooked, keep the flatbreads warm by covering them with a clean kitchen towel.
Cook the Halloumi
Next, prepare the halloumi, a key component that adds a delightful texture and flavor to the dish. Slice the halloumi into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the slices, frying them for about 2 minutes on each side. Be cautious not to overcook the halloumi, as it can become rubbery. Just before removing the slices from the pan, drizzle them with honey to add a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements their salty flavor. Remove the halloumi from the pan and set it aside for assembly.
Assemble the Bowl
Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Chicken Gyros Bowl. Begin by cutting the flatbreads into smaller pieces and layering them at the bottom of your serving bowl. Arrange the cooked chicken slices on top, followed by the fried halloumi. Add your choice of fresh vegetables, such as chopped lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, to add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the bowl. For the finishing touch, dollop tzatziki or garlic sauce over the top. This creamy addition enhances the flavor and ties all the elements together. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Chicken Gyros Bowl
Equipment
- Skewers (for chicken)
- Air fryer or grill
- Frying pan (for flatbreads and halloumi)
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 300 g chicken thigh fillets
- 20 g fat-free yogurt
- 1 tbsp shawarma seasoning e.g., Maggi UK
- 1 tbsp shawarma paste
- For the Flatbreads:
- 100 g plain flour
- 40-60 g 0% Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp salt
- For the Halloumi:
- 100 g halloumi sliced
- 1 tsp honey
- Optional Additions:
- Tzatziki or garlic sauce
- Chopped lettuce cucumber, and tomato
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken. Mix the chicken thighs with the fat-free yogurt, shawarma seasoning, and shawarma paste. Thread the chicken onto skewers and cook in an air fryer or on a grill until golden and cooked through (around 15 minutes).
- Step 2: Prepare the Flatbreads. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic granules. Gradually add the Greek yogurt until the mixture forms a dough. Knead until smooth, then divide into two equal portions. Roll each portion out into a thin flatbread. Fry in a pan for 2 minutes on each side or bake in the oven, flipping halfway through.
- Step 3: Cook the Halloumi. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the halloumi slices and fry for 2 minutes on each side. Drizzle with honey just before removing from the pan.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowl. Layer your bowl with flatbread pieces, the cooked chicken, fried halloumi, and your choice of veggies like lettuce, cucumber, and tomato. Add a dollop of tzatziki or garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to keep it tender and juicy.
- Knead the Dough Well: Ensure your flatbread dough is smooth to make it easier to roll out and cook evenly.
- Watch the Halloumi: Frying halloumi too long can make it rubbery, so stick to 2 minutes per side.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Add a few kalamata olives or crumbled feta for a classic Greek twist.
Fun Fact
Did you know “gyros” means “turn” in Greek? Traditional gyros are cooked on a vertical rotisserie that slowly turns, giving the meat its crispy edges and juicy flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Gyros Bowl is the perfect way to enjoy a homemade Fakeaway that’s full of flavor and healthier than the takeout version. Juicy chicken, fresh flatbreads, and honey-drizzled halloumi create a combination you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it out, and let me know how much you love this dish. Happy cooking!