These Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor and easy to make! Marinated in a zesty lemon herb mix, the chicken is tender and tasty, perfect for wrapping in warm pita bread.
Don’t forget the creamy tzatziki sauce; it’s the cherry on top! I like to load my gyro with fresh veggies for a colorful crunch. Who can resist a tasty meal like this? 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. However, you can swap them out for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but they may not be as tender.
Olive Oil: A key player in the marinade for that rich taste! If you need an alternative, avocado oil works well, or use any neutral oil you have on hand.
Dried Oregano: This adds a classic Greek flavor. If you can’t find dried oregano, try mixed Italian herbs or fresh oregano for a fresher taste!
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the tzatziki its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat yogurt or even regular plain yogurt, but it may not be as thick.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber is perfect in tzatziki. If you’re in a pinch, you could use grated zucchini, but squeeze out extra water to avoid a watery sauce.
How Do You Achieve the Best Tzatziki Sauce?
The tzatziki sauce is simple yet crucial for these gyros! Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber. This keeps your sauce thick and creamy.
- Let the tzatziki chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- If you like it dillier, feel free to add more fresh dill. You can also try mint for a twist!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for Gyros?
Cooking chicken to perfection is key! Here are some tips:
- Preheat your grill pan or skillet for a good sear. This keeps the juices inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This gives the chicken space to sear nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly; it should register 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest before slicing. This keeps the juices from running out!
Following these tips will help you create delicious gyros that you’ll want to make again and again! Enjoy your meal!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-20 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour (3-4 hours is even better) for full flavor. So overall, allow about 4 hours if marinating overnight or at least 1 hour if you’re in a hurry!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and fragrant.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 3-4 hours will really enhance the flavor!
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out the excess water!), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble your gyros.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook! Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a nice, browned exterior.
5. Rest and Slice:
After cooking, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important because it keeps the juices locked in! Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
Now for the fun part! Lay a warm pita bread on a plate. Spread a generous spoonful of your delicious tzatziki sauce down the center. Add your sliced chicken, then top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and thin slices of red onion. If you’d like, sprinkle some feta cheese or add a few kalamata olives for extra flavor!
7. Serve:
To enjoy your gyros, fold the pita around the fillings or roll it up. Serve immediately with any extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Yum!
Enjoy your authentic Greek Chicken Gyros, bursting with bright lemon and fresh herb flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind, chicken breasts might dry out slightly quicker, so be careful not to overcook them.
How Do I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the tzatziki sauce separately. Reheat the chicken gently in a microwave or skillet when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers!
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Giving it some time to chill helps the flavors develop beautifully!
How Can I Make These Gyros Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms or use marinated falafel! The tzatziki sauce is still a great complement!
