Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros are a classic, flavorful, and versatile dish made with juicy, marinated chicken wrapped in a soft pita and topped with fresh veggies and a tangy yogurt-based sauce. It’s easy to make at home, and the marinade gives the chicken a wonderful depth of flavor.

Here’s a simple recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros:

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

• 2 cloves garlic, 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 Gyro:

• 4-6 pita bread (or flatbreads)

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 large tomato, sliced

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

• Feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

2. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.

3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours. For even better flavor, you can marinate overnight.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Stir well until smooth and creamy.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or extra lemon juice.

4. Chill the sauce in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Option 1: Grill the Chicken

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

• Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Option 2: Cook the Chicken on the Stovetop

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

4. Assemble the Gyros:

1. Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds, just until soft.

2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita.

3. Add the sliced chicken, followed by sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro.

4. (Optional) Top with crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

5. Fold the pita around the fillings to create a wrap.

5. Serve:

• Serve the gyros warm with extra tzatziki sauce on the side. You can also add some roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or olives for a full Mediterranean meal.

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Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Gyros:

• Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Try to marinate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight if you have the time.

• Grilled Chicken: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily make this in a grill pan or regular skillet on the stove.

• Customizing Your Gyros: You can add or swap out veggies to suit your taste—sliced bell peppers, lettuce, or even pickled red onions work well in gyros.

• Making It Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time too, making this a great make-ahead meal.

• For Extra Flavor: Add a little touch of sumac or lemon zest to the tzatziki sauce for a more authentic, tangy kick.

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These Greek Chicken Gyros are perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita is a winning combination!

Do you think you’ll try making these gyros at home, or do you have any favorite toppings or twists to add?