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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice fresh is best, but bottled will work
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros:

  • 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads if you prefer
  • Fresh veggies like lettuce tomatoes, and red onions
  • A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese optional, but so good!

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • The first thing you’ll need to do is marinate the chicken. It’s so simple! Just combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade and make sure every piece is coated. You can let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
  • Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, don’t stress. Even 30 minutes in the marinade will make a huge difference. Just pop the chicken in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

  • While the chicken is marinating, let’s talk about the tzatziki sauce—because what’s a gyro without that creamy, cool sauce? It’s so easy to make. Simply combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill in a bowl. Give it a good stir, and season with a little salt and pepper to taste. I love how refreshing this sauce is, and it really adds that authentic Greek flavor to your gyros.
  • Pro tip: If you like a thicker sauce, you can strain the yogurt before using it, but I personally don’t mind it as is. Either way, it’s going to taste amazing!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  • Once your chicken has marinated and your tzatziki is ready to go, it’s time to cook the chicken. You can grill it, cook it in a skillet, or even bake it in the oven—whichever method you prefer! I usually go for grilling or using a grill pan for that lovely charred flavor.
  • To cook the chicken, heat up your grill or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

  • Now comes the fun part—assembling your gyros! Take your warm pita bread and lay it flat. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce to the center of the pita, followed by a few slices of the cooked chicken. Then, pile on the fresh veggies like lettuce, tomato, and onion. If you want to go the extra mile (and trust me, you’ll want to), sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top.
  • Fold the pita around the filling, and you’ve got yourself a delicious homemade Greek Chicken Gyro!