Meet your next lunchtime obsession: “Won’t You Be My Gyro Chicken Panini,” a mouthwatering fusion of Greek flavors and classic panini-style grilling. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic, lemon, and oregano, then layered with fresh veggies like spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Creamy tzatziki sauce, tangy feta, and gooey mozzarella come together to create the ultimate medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Pressed to golden perfection in your favorite pita or panini bread, this sandwich offers a satisfying crunch with every bite while keeping all the vibrant, hearty fillings intact. Quick to prepare yet bursting with texture and flavor, this is the perfect recipe for busy weeknight dinners or laid-back lunches. Make this gyro-inspired panini your new favorite way to enjoy a handheld slice of the Mediterranean!
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, prep the vegetables by slicing the tomato, cucumber, and red onion thinly. Set aside.
Preheat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Preheat a panini press or another skillet for pressing the paninis.
Lay out your pita or panini bread on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce over one side of each piece of bread.
Layer the fillings over half of the bread: start with spinach leaves, then a few slices of grilled chicken, followed by tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Fold the bread over to enclose the filling (if using pita bread) or top with another slice of bread (if using panini bread).
Butter the outside of the bread lightly to ensure a crispy finish when pressed.
Place the assembled panini onto the preheated press or skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet, press down with a heavy spatula or another pan to replicate a panini press.
Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately. Enjoy your gyro-inspired panini!
Calories |
2346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.8 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.8 g | 209% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 492 mg | 164% | |
| Sodium | 5091 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 165.8 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.5 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.0 g | ||
| Protein | 180.9 g | 362% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1766 mg | 136% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2192 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.