The Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich from The Halal Guys features tender, seasoned chicken and savory beef gyro meat tucked inside warm pita bread, topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and drizzled with creamy white and spicy red sauces, delivering a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Ladle or squeeze bottles (for sauces)
- Serving spoons
- Food warmer or chafing dish
- Pita bread warmer or toaster
- Meat slicer or carving knife
- Serving trays or plates
Ingredients
- Chicken Gyro:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Beef Gyro:
- 2 lbs ground beef or gyro meat
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 small yellow onion
- Pita Sandwich:
- 8 large pita breads
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Spicy Red Sauce:
- 1/2 cup harissa paste or 3 tablespoons sambal oelek
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons distilled vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt
- Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
When selecting chicken thighs for your gyro, choose boneless and skinless pieces to ensure even marination and cooking. Use fresh lemons and garlic in the marinade to enhance the chicken's tenderness and flavor, while the balanced spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika provide authentic Mediterranean taste. For the beef gyro meat, consider opting for gyro-specific cuts or high-quality ground beef seasoned with oregano, onion, and garlic powders to mimic the savory profile. Be sure to prepare the white sauce and spicy red sauce separately using Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, harissa, and sambal oelek to achieve the distinct creamy and fiery flavors essential to this dish. Your Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich from The Halal Guys copycat will capture the iconic blend of tender meats, fresh veggies, and signature sauces that make it irresistible.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Marinate chicken thighs with yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate 2–4 hours.
- Combine ground beef (or gyro meat) with oregano, cumin, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and finely grated onion. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape beef mixture into a loaf and refrigerate for 1 hour for best texture.
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle to medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated chicken thighs until fully cooked and lightly charred, turning as needed.
- Grill or sear beef gyro loaf (or slices) until well browned and cooked through. Alternatively, bake in oven, then slice thinly.
- Warm pita bread using bread warmer or toaster.
- Mix lettuce and tomatoes in a bowl; set aside.
- Prepare white sauce: Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, chopped parsley, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Transfer to squeeze bottle or serving dish.
- Prepare spicy red sauce: Blend harissa/sambal oelek, olive oil, distilled vinegar, cayenne, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl until well combined. Transfer to squeeze bottle or serving dish.
- Slice cooked chicken and beef gyro into thin strips using meat slicer or carving knife.
- Lay warm pita bread on serving tray or plate.
- Add a portion of sliced chicken and beef gyro meat onto each pita.
- Top with shredded romaine lettuce and diced tomatoes.
- Drizzle with white sauce and spicy red sauce as desired.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately on trays or plates.
Substitution
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich from The Halal Guys copycat menu can be adapted by substituting ground lamb for beef gyro meat to enhance authenticity or using boneless chicken breasts if thighs aren't available; you can also replace Greek yogurt with sour cream in the white sauce for a tangier flavor without compromising texture. When preparing the pita, warming it on a flat-top griddle or toaster ensures softness and pliability, while using squeeze bottles for the sauces allows for even distribution and less mess. If you don't have a meat slicer, a sharp chef's knife will work well for thinly slicing cooked meat to achieve the traditional gyro texture. Keep leftover sauces refrigerated in airtight containers and use within a week to maintain freshness. For your fresh toppings, substitute romaine lettuce with iceberg or butter lettuce as per your preference without losing the crisp crunch essential to the sandwich.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to fully develop the authentic gyro flavors. Use a sharp chef's knife or meat slicer to slice the beef and chicken gyro thinly, ensuring tender, easy-to-eat pieces in your sandwiches. Warm the pita bread just before assembling to keep it soft and pliable, preventing it from tearing when filled. When adding sauces, drizzle them evenly to balance out the creamy texture and spicy kick in every bite of your gyro.
Nutritions
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich offers a balanced source of protein from both the marinated chicken thighs and seasoned beef gyro meat, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The inclusion of fresh romaine lettuce and diced tomatoes provides dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to support immune function and digestion. Pita bread supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the white sauce combines Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, adding probiotics and healthy fats. Your meal is enriched with flavorful spices like cumin, turmeric, and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory properties and enhance nutrient absorption.
Storage
Store cooked chicken and beef gyro meat in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days. Keep pita bread wrapped in foil or sealed plastic bags at room temperature to preserve softness, while sauces should be refrigerated separately in sealed jars for up to one week. To enjoy your Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich at its best, reheat meats thoroughly on a grill or skillet before assembling with fresh vegetables and sauces.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breast to reduce fat content while keeping the meat tender by marinating longer. Instead of ground beef, try lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for a richer gyro flavor that pairs well with traditional spices. For a lighter option, toast pita bread on the grill instead of using a warmer to add a subtle smoky note. Substitute harissa with sriracha or a chipotle paste to vary the heat profile in the spicy red sauce based on your taste preference.
Allergies
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy from yogurt and mayonnaise in the white sauce, as well as gluten from the pita bread. Your meal may also include garlic and spices like cumin and paprika, which can cause sensitivities in some individuals. If you have specific allergies or intolerances, it's important to verify ingredient details to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Halal Guys' Chicken & Beef Gyro Sandwich combines tender marinated meats with a unique blend of Middle Eastern spices, creating a flavorful and savory experience that keeps customers coming back for more. Their signature white sauce and spicy red sauce complement the juicy gyro slices, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread, enhancing every bite with balanced textures and tastes. You will find the sandwich's generous portions and authentic flavors make it a standout in street food culture, perfect for those craving a satisfying and well-seasoned meal. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate that iconic taste and customize it to your preferences right at home.