Description
This classic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection, served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm Greek pita bread. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and easy meal that brings the authentic flavors of Greece right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4-6 Greek-style pita breads
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin pieces.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to blend.
- Warm the Pitas: Heat the Greek-style pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become warm and flexible, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Assemble the Gyros: Place sliced chicken on each pita bread, then top with chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, and a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Fold the pita and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the grated cucumber for tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
- Pitas can be warmed in the oven wrapped in foil as an alternative to the skillet.
- Leftover gyros components can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Add feta cheese or olives for a variation.
