Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this authentic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe. Packed with tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and wrapped in soft pita bread, this dish is a perfect blend of flavor and texture. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for a quick dinner, a casual gathering, or even meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for marinade)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well to form a creamy marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the cucumber, slice the red onion, chop the tomatoes, and shred the lettuce.
- Set the vegetables aside for assembling the gyros.
- Warm the Pita Bread:
- Heat the pita bread on a grill or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until warm and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Place the warm pita bread on a flat surface.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce in the center.
- Add a handful of sliced chicken, followed by a mix of cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Drizzle additional tzatziki sauce on top for extra flavor.
- Wrap and Serve:
- Fold the sides of the pita bread to enclose the filling, creating a wrap.
- Secure with parchment paper or foil if needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, authentic taste of Greek Chicken Gyros.
Pro Tips:
- For added flavor, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the filling.
- Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for variation.
- Make homemade tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt.
Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors of Greece with this easy-to-make recipe, perfect for every occasion!