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To make these gyros, start with: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper You’ll want to mix these ingredients well. The olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. The oregano, garlic powder, and paprika add a great flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is key for juicy, tasty meat. For the toppings, gather: - 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh parsley leaves for garnish These toppings make your gyros fresh and colorful. Tzatziki adds a creamy, cool taste. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber give a nice crunch. The red onion adds a bit of zing. Don’t forget the parsley for a pop of green! You will need: - 4 whole wheat pita breads Whole wheat pita adds a wholesome touch. It is soft and easy to wrap around your fillings. You can also use regular pita if you prefer. Either way, warming the pita for a minute makes it soft and pliable. This ensures it holds all the tasty fillings without tearing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken thighs with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This will add more flavor. Next, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice sear and ensure the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips. Then, warm the pita breads in the same skillet for about 1 minute on each side. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Now, it's time to assemble your gyros! Spread tzatziki sauce on each warm pita. Add the sliced chicken, followed by cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Finally, top with fresh parsley leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal by rolling up the pita and savoring each bite! To make great gyros, you need tasty chicken. Mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper with chicken thighs. This mix adds flavor. Let your chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This longer wait helps the flavors soak in better. You can cook your chicken in different ways. If you don’t have a skillet, use a grill or oven. For grilling, preheat your grill and cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. If you choose the oven, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. When you serve your gyros, think about the toppings. Add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion for crunch. Don’t forget the tzatziki sauce; it gives a nice cool taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can serve extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. This makes your meal even better! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for best results, let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours to absorb all the delicious flavors. Get a Good Sear: Make sure your skillet or grill pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help achieve a nice sear, locking in the juices and flavors. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables for your gyros. Crisp cucumbers and ripe cherry tomatoes add a refreshing crunch and flavor that enhances the overall dish. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with your toppings! Add feta cheese, olives, or even a sprinkle of sumac for an extra twist on traditional gyros. {{image_2}} For a tasty vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for grilled eggplant or zucchini. You can also use marinated chickpeas. These options give you that satisfying bite while keeping it healthy. Just season them the same way you would the chicken. Grill or sauté until tender. This way, you can still enjoy the vibrant flavors of the gyro. Tzatziki sauce is classic, but you can explore other options. Try hummus for a creamy and rich taste. A spicy harissa sauce adds a nice kick. You could also use tahini for a nutty flavor. Each sauce can change the entire meal. Don’t shy away from mixing and matching! To amp up flavor, consider adding roasted red peppers or olives. A sprinkle of feta cheese brings a salty, tangy touch. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can brighten the dish. If you like a bit of crunch, add some shredded lettuce. These enhancements make the gyros even more delicious and colorful! You can store leftover gyros in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool first. Place the chicken, veggies, and pita in separate containers. This keeps everything fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, take the chicken out of the fridge. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil for flavor. Cook the chicken for about five minutes until hot. Warm the pita bread in the skillet for one minute per side. This keeps it soft. If you want to freeze gyros, wrap each one in foil. Place them in a freezer bag for extra protection. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Chicken breasts may be drier than thighs. To keep them juicy, do not overcook them. You can follow the same marinating steps. The flavor will still be great, just a bit different. If you want a substitute for tzatziki sauce, try plain yogurt. You can mix it with cucumber and a bit of lemon juice. Another option is hummus; it adds a creamy texture. For a kick, try a spicy yogurt sauce made with hot sauce. To make gyros less spicy, use less black pepper in the marinade. You can also skip the paprika if you want it milder. Adding more tzatziki sauce can help cool down the spice too. If you want, add more fresh veggies for a crunch. You learned how to make tasty gyros at home. We covered the key ingredients, like chicken and marinades. Cooking tips and variations help you customize your gyros. I shared storage info for keeping leftovers fresh and tasty. Enjoy your gyros with different toppings and sauces. Experiment with flavors to make it your own. Now, you can whip up delicious gyros anytime. Happy cooking!

Quick Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

A delicious and easy recipe for Mediterranean chicken gyros, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 whole whole wheat pita breads
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • to taste fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine chicken thighs, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken thighs into thin strips.
  • In the same skillet or grill pan, lightly warm the pita breads until they are soft and pliable, about 1 minute per side.
  • Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on each warm pita. Add sliced chicken, followed by cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion.
  • Top with fresh parsley leaves for an extra burst of flavor and color.
  • Roll up the pita around the fillings and serve them with extra tzatziki on the side if desired.

Notes

Let the chicken marinate for deeper flavor.
Keyword chicken, gyros, Mediterranean, quick meal