Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious option for a cozy meal at home. They’re packed with flavor and are fun to make. You’ll love how fresh and satisfying they are.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe is both easy and tasty, perfect for anyone new to cooking. The combination of tender chicken and creamy Tzatziki is a winner. Plus, it brings a bit of Greek flavor to your dinner table. Family and friends will enjoy putting together their own gyros with colorful toppings.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Making Greek Chicken Gyros is simple and straightforward. You’ll marinate the chicken, grill it until perfectly charred, and then assemble everything in warm pita. It’s a delightful way to serve a meal that everyone can customize.
What You Need
To make Greek Chicken Gyros, gather these ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Greek pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
- Slices of tomato, cucumber, and red onion, for garnishing
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Steps
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can.
- For the Tzatziki Sauce, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, finely grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until you need it.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a pan.
- To assemble the Gyros, place sliced chicken on the pita bread. Top with Tzatziki sauce, and add slices of tomato, cucumber, and onion.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
You can serve Greek Chicken Gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables. They pair well with a cool drink like lemonade or iced tea. These gyros are wonderful for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
How to Store Greek Chicken Gyros
To keep leftovers fresh, store the chicken and toppings separately in the fridge. Place them in airtight containers. The chicken will last about 3-4 days. You can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Pita bread is best stored at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Grill the chicken until it’s nice and golden.
- Warm the pita right before serving for the best texture.
- If you’re short on time, use chicken breast instead of thighs.
- Always let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap chicken for shrimp or lamb for a different protein.
- Use whole wheat pita for a healthier option.
- Add feta cheese for extra flavor in your gyros.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before and grill it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes! Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream as a substitute for Greek yogurt in the Tzatziki sauce.
How do I reheat leftover gyros?
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What can I use instead of pitas?
You can use flatbreads, wraps, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Greek pita bread or flatbreads, for serving
- Slices of tomato, cucumber, and red onion, for garnishing
For Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cucumber finely grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
- For the Tzatziki Sauce, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, finely grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Assembly
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a pan.
- To assemble the Gyros, place sliced chicken on the pita bread. Top with Tzatziki sauce, and add slices of tomato, cucumber, and onion.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
