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:
- 4–6 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
- 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.
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated.
- 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
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater, then squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
- Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with a drizzle of olive oil.
- 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).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step4: Warm the Pita Bread
- 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
- Lay a warm pita bread flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center.
- Add a handful of sliced chicken, followed by red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired.
- 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