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Here’s a delicious recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros—tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy tzatziki sauce. This is a fantastic homemade version of the classic Greek street food!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated (with excess water squeezed out)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to marinate.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Stir until well mixed, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve. This helps the flavors meld together.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan, regular skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it on the grill or in the skillet for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or strips against the grain.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads by heating them briefly in a dry skillet or wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
- Place a warm pita on a plate, and layer the cooked chicken strips in the center.
- Top with sliced red onion, cucumber, and tomato. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on top, followed by crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
- Optionally, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for added freshness.
5. Serve:
- Fold the pita around the fillings and serve the gyros immediately, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: For a more authentic touch, you can skewer the marinated chicken and grill it on skewers for a traditional Greek-style presentation.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms) for a delicious vegetarian gyro.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time for a quick and easy meal later.
- Toppings: Customize your gyro with other toppings like Kalamata olives, lettuce, or sliced red pepper.
These Greek Chicken Gyros are full of fresh flavors, from the tender marinated chicken to the creamy tzatziki sauce and crunchy veggies. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun dinner to share with family and friends. Enjoy!