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Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marination time)

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gyros Assembly:

  • 46 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Lettuce leaves or shredded lettuce

Instructions

Preparation

Step1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade.
  2. Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors infuse.

Step2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

  1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater, then squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
  3. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook each piece for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step4: Warm the Pita Bread

  1. Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes on each side or wrap them in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Step5: Assemble the Gyros

  1. Lay a warm pita bread flat on a clean surface.
  2. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center.
  3. Add a handful of sliced chicken, followed by red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce.
  4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired.
  5. Wrap the pita around the filling and secure it with parchment paper or foil for easier handling.

Notes

Cooking Note

  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • The marinade can also be used with lamb, beef, or shrimp for a unique twist.
  • Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance to save time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding marination)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: Approximately 450
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 35g