Description
Taste the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe—a zesty and tender dish combining marinated chicken with fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers authentic Greek flavors with ease and flexibility.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce or herbs (like parsley or extra dill), optional
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant marinade full of traditional Greek flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and soak them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight, to absorb the seasoning deeply.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness, ensuring tender and juicy results.
- Warm the pita bread: Gently warm pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable, enhancing their flavor and making them easier to wrap.
- Assemble the gyros: Layer each warm pita with cooked chicken, a generous dollop of tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh lettuce or herbs if desired. Roll up tightly and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- Use fresh oregano and dill where possible for the best aroma and taste.
- Reserve some marinade to brush on chicken during cooking for extra moisture.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before assembling to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro (with pita and toppings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg