If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors but also want to boost your protein intake, this savory High Protein Chicken Gyros Bowls is your new go-to meal. Picture succulent chicken thighs marinated in a creamy, high-protein blend, roasted to perfection with a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining juiciness on the inside. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises to be a hit every time.
Why You’ll Love High Protein Chicken Gyros
Gyros are a beloved classic in Mediterranean cuisine, often known for their tender, spiced meat and fresh toppings. But imagine making them even better—by amping up the protein content without sacrificing flavor. This high protein chicken gyros recipe does just that by using cottage cheese in the marinade.
The addition of cottage cheese not only raises the protein levels but also creates an incredibly moist and tender chicken. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
Packed with Protein: With 46 grams of protein per serving, this dish offers a solid boost to your daily intake.
Deliciously Flavorful: The chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the marinade, ensuring each bite is savory and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: You can prep it in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Versatile: Serve it on pita, a salad, or on its own with sides like Greek lemon potatoes.
Ingredients for Savory High Protein Chicken Gyros
8 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (chicken thighs are preferred for their flavor and juiciness)
⅓ cup Cottage Cheese (blended for smoothness)
1 tablespoon Poultry Seasoning (adjust based on preference)
1 cup Water or Broth (for moisture during roasting)
½ Onion (for creating the vertical spit, or foil as an alternative)
Olive Oil (for greasing)
Optional: Fresh herbs or additional spices for marinating
How to Prepare Savory High Protein Chicken Gyros
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for the chicken to roast to perfection.Prepare the Marinade
Place the cottage cheese into a food processor and blend until smooth. If you don’t have a food processor, an immersion blender works just fine!Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, place the chicken thighs and sprinkle your choice of poultry seasoning over them. I used Watkins poultry seasoning, but feel free to experiment with your favorite mix of spices—just make sure to check for sodium levels if you’re using store-bought blends.Mix in the Cottage Cheese
Add the blended cottage cheese to the seasoned chicken thighs and stir until evenly coated. The cottage cheese works its magic by tenderizing the meat while infusing it with extra protein.Prepare the Vertical Spit
If you have a vertical gyro oven plate, grease it lightly with olive oil. Then, thread the marinated chicken onto the spit, rotating each piece opposite from the last to ensure even cooking.
No vertical spit? No problem! Cut a large onion in half, then insert two bamboo skewers vertically into the onion to create a makeshift spit.Roast the Chicken
Add one cup of water (or broth) to the bottom of the gyro plate and place the half onion on top of the chicken. Roast for 75 to 90 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).Let it Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, ensuring a moist and tender bite.Slice and Serve
Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve on warm pita bread with a side of tzatziki sauce, French fries, or Greek lemon potatoes. You can also add fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Nonna’s Tips for the Perfect High Protein Chicken Gyros
Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the juicier and more flavorful it will be. For the best results, marinate overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a rush, an hour will still work wonders.
Dairy-Free Alternative: If you need to make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative or skip it altogether for a lower-fat version.
Seasoning Choices: Get creative with your seasoning! If you’re not into poultry seasoning, experiment with garlic powder, paprika, or oregano for a personalized twist.
Variations and Substitutions for High Protein Chicken Gyros
Cottage Cheese Substitution:
Don’t have cottage cheese? Use Greek yogurt instead—it offers similar benefits in terms of creaminess and protein content.Vegan or Dairy-Free Option:
As mentioned, you can swap cottage cheese with vegan cottage cheese or simply omit it. For a different texture, try blending silken tofu for a creamy marinade.Alternative Spices:
If you love experimenting, mix up your poultry seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices. I recommend sumac, oregano, or even cumin for a Middle Eastern flair.No Vertical Spit?
As an alternative to the vertical spit, simply place the chicken thighs in a roasting pan and cover them with aluminum foil to keep them juicy.
Recipe Card: Savory High Protein Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
8 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
⅓ cup Cottage Cheese (blended)
1 tablespoon Poultry Seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 cup Water or Broth
½ Onion (or use foil)
Olive Oil (for greasing)
- Optional: Fresh herbs or additional spices for marinating
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Marinade: In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the chicken thighs with your choice of poultry seasoning.
Combine: Add the blended cottage cheese to the chicken and mix until evenly coated.
Prepare the Vertical Spit: Grease a vertical gyro oven plate with olive oil. Thread the marinated chicken onto the spit, ensuring the pieces are rotated opposite of each other for even cooking.
Roast the Chicken: Add one cup of water (or broth) to the bottom of the gyro plate, then place ½ onion on top. Roast for 75-90 minutes or until golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve on warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, French fries, or Greek lemon potatoes.
Notes
Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. If short on time, 1 hour will still provide good flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives or omit it for a dairy-free version.
Seasoning Variations: Feel free to use your favorite spice blend or make your own!
No Vertical Spit?: No problem! Use a roasting pan and cover the chicken with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 46g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
| Potassium | 602mg |
| Vitamin A | 194 IU |
| Iron | 3mg |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 75-90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Method: Roasting / Vertical Spit
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Servings: 4
Calories: 300 kcal per serving
Yield: 4 servings
