Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with these Greek chicken gyros, where marinated chicken meets zesty tzatziki and fresh pita bread. Crisp vegetables and tangy sauce create a delightful harmony you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
Marinade and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tzatziki and Toppings:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4–6 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a zesty marinade by combining tangy yogurt, fragrant olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, earthy cumin, sweet paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces in the aromatic marinade, ensuring each morsel is well-covered. Seal the container and allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour, or overnight for a more intense taste profile.
- Craft the creamy tzatziki by grating a crisp cucumber and blending it with smooth yogurt, a splash of citrusy lemon juice, delicate olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped fresh dill, and a whisper of salt. Mix until harmoniously combined and chill until serving time.
- Preheat a ridged grill pan or heavy skillet to medium-high temperature. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust and ensuring complete doneness.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly, then slice into succulent strips, releasing the trapped juices and maximizing tenderness.
- Gently warm soft pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave to enhance its pliability and bring out its subtle flavors.
- Assemble the gyros by layering the sizzling chicken strips, crisp diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and optional fresh lettuce leaves onto the warm pita.
- Generously drizzle the chilled tzatziki sauce over the filling, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, and optionally garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Carefully fold the pita around the filling, creating a compact and delectable handheld meal ready to be savored.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor depth, allowing the yogurt and spices to thoroughly penetrate the chicken meat.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for richer, creamier tzatziki sauce with a more authentic texture and taste.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Customize gyros by adding quick-pickled red onions or swapping feta for a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg