Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously fresh meal, look no further than Greek Chicken Gyros! This dish is bursting with flavor and pairs perfectly with homemade tzatziki. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Gyros:

Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken thigh fillets (dark meat enhances flavor, but you can substitute chicken breast)

Bread:

• 6 pita breads or flatbreads

For the Marinade:

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki:

• 1 large English cucumber, grated and liquid squeezed out
• 1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater, keeping the skin on.
2. Place the grated cucumber on paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3. In a bowl, mix the squeezed cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

1. In a bowl, combine sliced grape tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

1. Grill the marinated chicken on an outdoor grill or grill pan until it is browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes).
2. Place the grilled chicken in the center of a pita or flatbread, add tzatziki and salad, fold it up, and enjoy!

Can I Grill or Bake the Chicken Instead?

While grilling is the traditional method for making gyros, you can also use a skillet if you don’t have a grill or grill pan. Baking is not recommended as it won’t provide the distinctive charred flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Gyros?

Chicken gyros are hearty enough on their own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider serving a soup as a starter, like Best Stuffed Pepper Soup or the delightful Broccoli Cheese Soup. For dessert, light lemon-flavored options such as Mini Lemon Drop Cakes or Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Tart pair excellently.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

If you want to prep ahead, consider marinating and grilling the chicken up to 3 days in advance. Tzatziki can be made a day ahead, while the salad should be prepared on the day you plan to serve the gyros. You can also freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s cooled completely before storing.

Enjoy your flavorful journey into the world of Greek Chicken Gyros!