Description
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros feature tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with fresh vegetables, tangy tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread for a delicious and traditional Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4–6 warm pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cucumber slices
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight is recommended for the best flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill or cook on the skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Heat the pita breads either on the grill or in a dry skillet until warm and pliable, perfect for folding or serving open-faced.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over each warm pita. Top with sliced chicken, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, shredded lettuce or cucumber slices, and optionally, feta cheese. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley as desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the gyros wrapped like a sandwich or served open-faced on a platter with additional toppings on the side.
Notes
- For juicier and more flavorful results, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- This chicken gyro recipe is perfect for meal prepping and quick weeknight dinners.
- Try adding olives or grilled peppers for variety and extra flavor in your gyros.
