Description
Mediterranean flavors dance in this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe, bringing succulent marinated meat wrapped in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce complete this delightful street-food classic you’ll crave from first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
Marinade and Seasonings:
- 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 Sauce:
- 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
Serving Components:
- 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
- Craft a vibrant marinade by blending tangy yogurt, aromatic olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, fragrant oregano, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing container.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to permeate deeply.
- Prepare tzatziki by combining creamy yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, bright lemon juice, rich olive oil, crushed garlic, delicate dill, and a whisper of salt. Mix until harmoniously blended.
- Refrigerate tzatziki sauce to let flavors meld while preserving its cool, refreshing essence.
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the marinated chicken.
- Cook chicken pieces meticulously, rotating once to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Each side requires approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly, then slice into elegant, uniform strips.
- Gently warm pita bread to enhance its soft, pillowy texture using a dry skillet or microwave.
- Construct gyros by layering sliced chicken, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, and crisp lettuce across the warm pita.
- Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a classic Greek touch.
- Fold the pita carefully, creating a compact, handheld feast. Serve alongside bright lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
Notes
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the yogurt marinade overnight for intense, tangy taste that penetrates every fiber.
- Quick Cucumber Trick: Pat grated cucumber dry with paper towels to prevent watery tzatziki sauce, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional pita with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Grill Pan Alternative: No grill pan? Use a cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill to achieve those perfect charred edges and smoky chicken flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg