Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs, creamy homemade tzatziki, fresh salad, and warm pita bread. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home. Perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or even meal prep, these gyros are a flavorful, healthy option for any occasion. With step-by-step instructions, tips, and customization ideas, you’ll master the art of making authentic Greek gyros in no time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lb (1 kg) chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine/apple cider vinegar)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2–3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out the juice)
- 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a ziplock bag or bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coat them well, and seal the bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Make the Tzatziki
- Halve the cucumbers lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Grate the cucumber, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- In a bowl, mix the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Salad
- Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Toss together in a bowl with parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill or frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the pita bread. Place some salad in the center, add chicken slices, and top with tzatziki. Wrap tightly and secure with parchment paper or foil if needed.
- Serve
- Serve immediately or set up a gyro station for guests to assemble their own wraps.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Options: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the tzatziki can be prepared 1–2 days ahead.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers. Cooked chicken lasts 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Customizations: Try lamb, beef, tofu, or roasted vegetables as substitutes for chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes/ Marination Time 2 hours (or overnight)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Wrap
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg