Description
Delicious and authentic Greek Chicken Gyros served with a refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. This recipe features marinated grilled chicken thighs or breasts, warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki for a perfect Mediterranean meal that’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Gyros
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomato
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- Crumbled feta (optional)
Cucumber Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup finely grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it’s squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and refrigerate to chill and blend the flavors.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through, has a slight char, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Assemble the gyros: Thinly slice the rested chicken. Warm the pita or flatbreads in a pan or oven. Layer each pita with sliced chicken, chopped lettuce, diced tomato, sliced red onion, and a generous spoonful of chilled tzatziki sauce. Top with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve the gyros immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner option, opt for chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- The tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
- This recipe can also be served as a gyro bowl over rice or salad instead of in pita bread.
