Greek Chicken Gyros are so flavorful, packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a deliciously creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in a warm pita. Making it at home is actually pretty easy and so satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow for a perfect Greek Chicken Gyro!
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast if you prefer)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for more depth)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated (squeeze out excess water)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch strips (this helps it cook faster and absorb more flavor) and add it to the marinade.
- Mix well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2-3 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
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Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth. You can refrigerate the tzatziki while you cook the chicken to let the flavors meld together.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use a grill for a smoky flavor.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into thin strips if you haven’t already.
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Prepare the Pita:
- While the chicken cooks, warm your pita bread in the skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- You can also toast them slightly on a grill for a more authentic flavor.
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Assemble the Gyros:
- Place a warm pita on a plate. Spoon on a generous amount of tzatziki sauce.
- Add some sliced chicken, followed by sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Garnish with a little fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Fold or roll up the pita to enclose the filling, and your homemade Greek Chicken Gyro is ready!
Tips for the Perfect Gyros:
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but if you prefer chicken breast, it works too. Just make sure not to overcook it.
- Grill the chicken on a barbecue if you want that smoky, authentic gyro flavor.
- For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some feta cheese or add some olives as toppings.
- You can make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days for convenience.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Serve with Greek salad, crispy fries, or a light hummus dip on the side.
- Beverage: A chilled Greek white wine or a cold beer pairs beautifully with these gyros.
Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros—tender, flavorful, and the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a party!