Description
These easy Mediterranean chicken gyros are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Marinated chicken is grilled or pan-seared and served in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce — a healthy, restaurant-style dinner at home.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Gyros
- 6 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated cucumber (seeds removed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for the best flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. After resting, slice the chicken thinly for easy assembly.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with seeds removed), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Warm Pitas: Warm the pita breads briefly to make them soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros: Fill each warmed pita with sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Drizzle generously with the prepared tzatziki sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the gyros fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts and provide more flavor.
- Adding feta cheese complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- For a classic gyro plate, serve with fries or roasted potatoes.
- Leftover cooked chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- As an alternative cooking method, chicken can be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek
