Greek Chicken Gyros

Transport yourself to the sunny shores of Greece with these Greek Chicken Gyros! Packed with marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce, these gyros are perfect for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re grilling outside or using a skillet indoors, this easy-to-make dish will bring all the flavors of a Greek street food classic right to your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love These Chicken Gyros

• Flavor Explosion: Tangy, juicy chicken, paired with cool, garlicky tzatziki and fresh veggies, creates a deliciously balanced bite.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this is a meal you can whip up in no time.
• Fresh and Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients like chicken, Greek yogurt, and veggies, these gyros are as nutritious as they are tasty.
• Versatile: Customize your gyros with your favorite toppings—try adding feta, olives, or a squeeze of extra lemon for even more Mediterranean flair!

Ingredients for Your Greek Chicken Gyros

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these are perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
• ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade penetrate the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides that tangy, fresh zing.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for bold, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that adds earthy, aromatic notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, this forms the base of the tzatziki.
• ½ cucumber, grated: Adds a fresh crunch to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a robust, garlicky flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the texture of the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Brings it all together!

For the Gyros:

• 4 pita breads: Soft, fluffy pita makes the perfect wrap for your gyros.
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch.
• 1 tomato, chopped: Juicy and fresh, this brings a burst of color and flavor.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh herbs to finish off the gyros.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Chicken Gyros

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—but if you have time, marinating it for a few hours will make the flavors even bolder.

2. Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re fully cooked through and have a nice, golden-brown color. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Resting the chicken helps to lock in the juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.

3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ a grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This sauce is what gives the gyros their signature cool, garlicky flavor—perfect for balancing the savory chicken.

4. Assemble the Gyros

Time to bring it all together! Start by warming the 4 pita breads—you can do this by placing them in a dry skillet for a few minutes or popping them in the microwave. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita, then add the sliced chicken, thinly sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Roll them up tightly, and you’re ready to dig in!

Tips for the Best Gyros

• Marinate Longer: If possible, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight to maximize the flavor.
• Squeeze the Cucumber: Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the cucumber as possible before adding it to the tzatziki. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add more toppings like crumbled feta, sliced cucumbers, olives, or even pickled peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Customizations and Variations

• Try Chicken Breasts: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts. Just be sure not to overcook them!
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken marinade for a bit of heat.
• Use Gluten-Free Pita: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can easily find gluten-free pita breads at most grocery stores.

Serving Suggestions

• Greek Salad: Pair your gyros with a refreshing Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta.
• Roasted Potatoes: Oven-roasted potatoes seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and oregano make a delicious and hearty side dish.
• Hummus and Veggies: Serve with a side of hummus and fresh veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers for dipping.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Pita can be reheated in the microwave or in a dry skillet for a few minutes.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tzatziki sauce and marinate the chicken in advance, making it easier to assemble the gyros when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Gyros are everything you want in a meal delicious, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor! The marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy tzatziki and fresh veggies, all wrapped up in warm pita bread. Whether you’re making this for a quick family dinner or serving it up for guests, these gyros are sure to impress. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4