Introduction:
Greek Chicken Gyros is a popular Mediterranean dish made from marinated chicken that’s cooked until golden and served in a warm pita with fresh toppings and a tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s a perfect balance of savory, crispy, and fresh, ideal for a casual meal, whether it’s for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1.5 lbs (700g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
4-6 pita bread (preferably soft)
Fresh vegetables: thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and lettuce
Optional: Feta cheese, Kalamata olives
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (after squeezing out excess water), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven for a few seconds.
Place a generous amount of chicken on the center of each pita.
Add sliced onions, tomatoes, and lettuce, then top with a spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
Optionally, garnish with feta cheese or Kalamata olives.
Serve:
Fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!
Description:
Greek Chicken Gyros is a delicious and flavorful dish originating from Greece. The marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, pairs wonderfully with the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. The combination of fresh vegetables and warm pita adds texture and flavor to each bite, creating a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering and brings the authentic taste of Greece to your kitchen.
Tips:
Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts.
Grilling Option: If you have access to a grill, grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor that’s classic for gyros.
Make Ahead Tzatziki: Tzatziki can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together.
Keep the Pita Soft: Warm the pita bread before serving to ensure it stays soft and pliable.
Variations:
Beef or Lamb Gyros: You can replace chicken with beef or lamb for a more traditional gyros experience.
Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki.
Spicy Option: Add some chopped fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce to the tzatziki for extra heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pita or wrap the filling in lettuce leaves instead.
Corrections:
If the tzatziki sauce seems too watery, make sure to squeeze out all the excess liquid from the cucumber.
If the chicken is drying out while cooking, lower the heat and cook it a little longer to ensure it stays juicy.
If the pita bread is too thick, gently warm it to soften it up before serving.
Enjoy:
Now that your Greek Chicken Gyros are ready, dig in and enjoy the bright flavors of Greece in every bite. Whether you serve it as a main meal or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, it’s sure to impress!