Transport yourself to the sunny shores of Greece with these homemade Chicken Gyros! Tender marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. These gyros are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a summer cookout. Packed with flavor, they’re a satisfying and healthy meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh lettuce or spinach leaves
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken is resting, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, or wrap them in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Gyros: To assemble, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita. Add a handful of lettuce or spinach, followed by sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with a little extra lemon juice if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
How to Prepare
The magic of these gyros is in the flavorful marinated chicken and the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. The combination of the juicy chicken with crisp vegetables, soft pita, and tangy feta cheese creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve these with some lemon wedges to brighten up each bite.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: About 30-45 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes 4-6 gyros.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts work well too, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Can I grill the chicken? Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the Mediterranean spices beautifully.
- What other toppings can I add? You can add sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.