Description
Delicious and easy Greek Chicken Gyros made with marinated and skillet-cooked chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick 30-minute meal that brings the authentic flavors of Greece to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced (additional to marinade garlic)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gyro Assembly
- 4-6 Greek-style pita breads
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours, to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Warm the Pitas: Heat the Greek-style pita breads on a dry skillet over medium heat until they are warm and flexible, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Assemble the Gyros: Place sliced chicken on each warm pita, then add chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, fold the pita over the fillings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber very well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
