Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros are filled with juicy marinated chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, warm pita bread, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This easy Mediterranean-inspired meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1½ cups (360 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 6 pita breads
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Shredded lettuce
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Prepare the tzatziki: Mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and slice: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for several minutes before slicing into strips.
- Warm the pita: Heat the pita bread until soft and flexible.
- Assemble the gyros: Spread tzatziki over each pita, then top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and parsley.
- Serve: Fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the cucumber for thick, creamy tzatziki.
- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Warm the pita before assembling for easier wrapping.
- Store the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki separately for up to 4 days.
- Leftover chicken is delicious in salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
