Description
Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki brings the vibrant flavors of Greece straight to your home. Juicy, marinated chicken paired with creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and soft pita bread makes for a satisfying and customizable meal. Quick to prepare, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated (excess moisture squeezed out)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads (or flatbreads)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh lettuce or arugula (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, or microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Place the sliced chicken in the center of each warmed pita. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and top with thin slices of red onion, cherry tomato halves, and lettuce (if using).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Notes
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki for a spicy twist.
- Add Grilled Veggies: Grill some bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to add extra flavor and texture to the gyros.
- Lamb Gyros: Swap the chicken for lamb for a more traditional gyro recipe.
- Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with falafel or grilled tofu for a plant-based option.
- Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time for easy assembly during the week.
