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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 pita breads - 1 cup lettuce, shredded - 1 large tomato, diced - 1 cucumber, sliced - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, grated and drained - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - Juice of 1/2 lemon - Salt to taste Gathering the right ingredients is key. You want the chicken to be juicy and full of flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best. They stay moist while cooking. For the marinade, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This mix will add a burst of flavor to the chicken. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Next, the pita and veggies! You need fresh pita bread for wrapping. Shredded lettuce adds a nice crunch. Dice the tomato for sweetness, and slice the cucumber for freshness. Don’t forget the tzatziki sauce! Greek yogurt is rich and creamy. Grate and drain the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce. Mix that with garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, and salt. This sauce ties all the flavors together and adds a cool touch to the gyros. With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create some tasty Greek chicken gyros! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a bowl, mix these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate it overnight. Next, let’s prepare the Tzatziki sauce. In another bowl, combine: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, grated and drained - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - Juice of 1/2 lemon - Salt to taste Mix everything until smooth. It’s key to refrigerate this sauce for about 20 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together perfectly. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. You can either grill or use a skillet. Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. It’s done when the juices run clear. After cooking, let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice it into strips. To assemble your gyros, warm the pita breads on the grill for about one minute. Take a pita and add a good amount of shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced cucumber, and the sliced chicken strips. Drizzle a generous amount of Tzatziki sauce over the fillings. Wrap the pita around the fillings. You can use parchment paper for easy grabbing, or serve them on a plate. For a nice touch, you could add some extra herbs or lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Greek chicken gyros! Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best results, go for 4 hours or overnight. This allows the spices to soak in well. You can also try thyme or rosemary instead of oregano. Cilantro adds a fresh twist, too! For a thick and creamy tzatziki, use full-fat Greek yogurt. If it's too watery, make sure to drain the cucumber well. For added flavor, try mixing in mint or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also swap dill for fresh parsley for a different taste. You can use store-bought or homemade pita bread. Homemade tastes fresh and soft, but store-bought is quick and easy. To warm pita, place it on a hot grill for about 1 minute. You can also toast it in a pan for some crunch. Make sure not to overheat it, or it might become too crispy! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for the best taste. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil will elevate the taste of your tzatziki and chicken. Always choose the freshest ingredients available. Grill for Perfect Texture: Grilling the chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If using a skillet, ensure it's hot enough to sear the chicken for a crispy exterior. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables or toppings like red onion, bell peppers, or feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor in your gyros. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They cook faster and stay juicy. You might also try lamb or beef for a twist. If you prefer vegetarian options, grilled veggies are a great choice. You can use zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Falafel is another fun option. It adds a crispy texture and pairs well with tzatziki. Mediterranean spices add depth to your gyros. Try adding sumac or za’atar for unique tastes. You could also play with herbs like basil or thyme. If you want heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a spicy sauce. A little kick can elevate your dish and excite your taste buds. You don't have to stick to traditional wraps. Try a bowl-style serving instead. Layer rice, chicken, and toppings in a bowl for a fresh look. You can also add salads or side dishes like Greek salad for variety. It makes the meal more colorful and flavorful. To keep your chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. When storing, make sure the chicken is cooled first. For the tzatziki sauce, store it in a separate container. It lasts about four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, always use a clean spoon when serving. To reheat chicken, use a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps it juicy and prevents dryness. You can also microwave it for about one minute but check often to avoid overcooking. For tzatziki, do not heat it. Just take it out of the fridge and stir. This keeps the sauce creamy and fresh. You can prepare the chicken marinade a day ahead. This lets the flavors soak in well. The tzatziki sauce can also be made early; it tastes better the next day. If you're busy, you can quickly assemble your gyros. Just warm the pita, add the chicken and veggies, then top with tzatziki. This makes for a fast and tasty meal! Yes, you can make Greek Chicken Gyros in advance. It saves time on busy days. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken: Do this the night before for best flavor. - Prepare the tzatziki: Make it a few hours ahead. This lets the flavors blend. - Chop veggies: Slice your tomatoes and cucumbers in advance. Store them in the fridge. - Warm pita bread: You can heat the pita right before serving for a fresh taste. To store gyros, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh. Here are more tips: - Refrigerate leftovers: Store gyros in the fridge for up to three days. - Keep sauces separate: This helps prevent sogginess. - Reheat carefully: Use an oven or skillet to warm them. This keeps chicken juicy. To make tzatziki less watery, you need to drain the cucumber well. Here’s how: - Grate the cucumber: Use a box grater for small pieces. - Drain it well: Place grated cucumber in a clean cloth. Squeeze out extra water. - Adjust yogurt: Use thicker Greek yogurt for a richer texture. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try these options: - Regular yogurt: It works, but it may be thinner. - Sour cream: This can add a nice tang. - Plant-based yogurt: Options like almond or coconut yogurt are good for dairy-free diets. You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. For even better flavor, try these times: - 30 minutes: Good for a quick meal. - 1-2 hours: Ideal for a flavorful boost. - Overnight: Best for maximum taste and tenderness. In this post, we covered how to make tasty Greek Chicken Gyros. You learned about the key ingredients, like chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce. We also shared step-by-step instructions to help you marinate, cook, and assemble the gyros perfectly. Remember, using fresh ingredients and following our tips will enhance your dish's flavor. Whether you choose to stick with chicken or try other proteins, enjoy making this meal your own! Cook with joy and share these gyros with family and friends!

Zesty Greek Chicken Gyros with Creamy Tzatziki

Delicious chicken gyros with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 juice of lemon
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 pieces pita breads
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 juice of 1/2 lemon
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (ensure it’s well-drained), minced garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
  • Warm the pita breads on the grill for a minute. Place a generous amount of shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced cucumber, and sliced chicken strips onto each pita.
  • Drizzle a good amount of the tzatziki sauce over the top of the fillings.
  • Fold the pita over the fillings and wrap in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go option, or serve immediately on a plate.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor.
Keyword chicken, Greek cuisine, gyros, tzatziki