Name: Chicken Gyros Smash Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon marjoram; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¼ cup fresh coriander (15g), chopped; ½ cup cherry tomatoes (75g), chopped; ½ cup cucumber (75g), chopped; 1 red onion, diced; ½ lemon, juiced; 500 g chicken mince; 1-2 potatoes or 100-150g ready-made fries; 8 mini tortillas; ½ cup tzatziki (120g); 1 teaspoon cooking oil

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Gyros Smash Tacos are a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern flavors and casual taco style. These mini tortillas are packed with spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki, making a perfect meal for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a soft taco held by a woman's hand with neutral nail polish against a white marbled surface. The taco shell is lightly toasted and filled with layers including crispy golden fries on top, a drizzle of creamy white sauce over them, chopped fresh red tomatoes, diced red onions, small green cucumber pieces, and fresh green herbs all mixed together. The layers create a vibrant mix of red, green, and white colors inside the taco, which is held gently with the filling slightly spilling out. A second similar taco is blurred in the background, placed on a white plate on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon garlic salt
¼ cup fresh coriander (15g), chopped
500 g chicken mince
1-2 potatoes or 100-150g ready-made fries
½ lemon, juiced
½ cup tzatziki (120g)
½ cup cherry tomatoes (75g), chopped
½ cup cucumber (75g), chopped
1 red onion, diced
8 mini tortillas
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: If cooking your own fries, peel and slice 1-2 potatoes into thin, even slices, then cut each slice into skinny fries. Soak them in cold ice water for a few minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry, then toss with 1 teaspoon cooking oil, salt, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) and arrange the fries in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g chicken mince with 1 teaspoon each of thyme, cumin, marjoram, garlic salt, the juice of half a lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 4: Add the chopped fresh coriander to the chicken mixture and combine thoroughly.
Step 5: Lay out 8 mini tortillas and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto each. Press down firmly to spread the mixture evenly.
Step 6: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon cooking oil. Place one or two tortillas chicken-side down, depending on pan size. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Flip the tortillas and cook for an additional minute to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Add more oil if needed.
Step 8: Remove tortillas from the pan and spread a generous layer of ½ cup tzatziki on top.
Step 9: Add a few fries or crispy potato slices, then top with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Drizzle with a little more tzatziki and garnish with fresh coriander.

Tips & Variations

Use ready-made fries for a quicker option or try sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
Serve with extra lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken and fries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan and crisp the fries in the oven or air fryer before assembling tacos again. Tortillas are best assembled fresh.

How to Serve

The image shows two small round flatbreads with a golden brown, slightly charred crust, placed on a wooden surface. Each flatbread is topped with a thick, creamy white sauce spread evenly as the base layer. On top of the sauce, there are evenly cut cucumber cubes that are light green with darker green skins, followed by small chopped red tomato pieces and finely diced purple onions. There are also three crispy golden French fries placed side by side on each flatbread. A sprinkling of fresh green parsley leaves is scattered over the top, adding color contrast. The scene is close up, showing the texture of each ingredient clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of mince?

Yes, you can finely chop or grind chicken breast as a substitute, but chicken mince is easier to spread and cooks more evenly in this recipe.

What is the best type of tortilla to use?

Mini flour tortillas work best as they hold the filling well and crisp up nicely when cooked in the pan. You can also try whole wheat for a healthier option.