Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki feature tender, juicy chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs, cooked to golden perfection. Served with fresh vegetables, warm pita, creamy homemade tzatziki, and optional feta cheese, this recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make Greek-inspired meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gyros:
- 4–6 pita breads
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Feta cheese, optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips, preparing it for assembling the gyros.
- Warm the Pita: Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet, oven, or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread tzatziki sauce over each pita. Add sliced chicken, tomato, cucumber, and red onion on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta cheese if using.
- Serve: Fold or roll the pita around the fillings and serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
- Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours to avoid affecting the texture due to acidity from lemon juice.
- For intensified flavors, prepare the tzatziki sauce several hours ahead and refrigerate before serving.
- Optional additions include lettuce, olives, or roasted red peppers to customize your gyros.
- Serve alongside Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or extra tzatziki sauce for a complete meal experience.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
