Greek Chicken Gyros

Introduction

Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender, marinated chicken with a refreshing and tangy tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. These gyros are perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare, yet full of authentic Greek flavors. The marinade, featuring olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, imparts a bright and savory flavor to the chicken, while the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, cooling contrast.

This dish is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. With its combination of fresh ingredients, juicy chicken, and aromatic spices, Greek Chicken Gyros will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Gyros:

• 4 pita breads
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh lettuce leaves

Preparation:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Add the 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 grated and drained cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.
2. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the tzatziki aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The sauce can be made in advance for more depth of flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Breads

1. While the chicken rests, warm the 4 pita breads either on the grill or in a skillet for about 1-2 minutes per side. You want them to be soft and pliable for assembling the gyros.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

1. To assemble the gyros, place a warm pita bread on a plate. Add some sliced cooked chicken, followed by tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh lettuce.
2. Generously top with a spoonful of the tzatziki sauce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Fold or roll the pita around the fillings and enjoy the gyros while warm. Serve them as they are or alongside your favorite sides like fries or a Greek salad.

Cooking Note:

• Chicken Substitute: You can also use chicken breast or even pork in place of chicken thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken breast may cook faster.
• Grating and Draining the Cucumber: To prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery, be sure to grate the cucumber and then squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Pita Options: You can use store-bought pita or make your own homemade pita bread for an extra special touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• With a Side of Fries: Serve the gyros with a side of crispy fries for a true Greek street food experience.
• With a Greek Salad: Pair the gyros with a refreshing Greek salad, featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a balanced meal.
• With Hummus: You can also add hummus to your gyros for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the sauce even more flavorful.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version of these gyros.
• Leftovers: Any leftover chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for easy meals later in the week.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cooking Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant, fresh flavors of Greece to your table. The juicy marinated chicken combined with the creamy, cooling tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita makes for an irresistible meal. Perfect for casual dinners or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, these gyros are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The recipe is simple yet packed with authentic flavors, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour