Description
Savory Greek chicken gyros blend Mediterranean flavors with tender marinated meat nestled in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce complete this classic street-style sandwich that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
- 3 tbsps olive oil (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki)
- 2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for marinade)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, for marinade)
- 1 clove garlic (minced, for tzatziki)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (for marinade)
- ¼ tsp salt (for tzatziki)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 4–6 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinade Fusion: Whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean flavors.
- Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, seal in a container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to allow complex flavors to develop and penetrate the meat.
- Tzatziki Preparation: Grate cucumber and blend with yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, and salt, creating a cool, refreshing sauce that will complement the grilled chicken perfectly.
- Grilling Technique: Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high and cook marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
- Gyro Assembly: Warm pita bread, slice rested chicken into strips, then layer with diced tomatoes, red onion, and optional lettuce, creating a vibrant and textural base for the classic Greek street food.
- Final Touch: Lavishly drizzle tzatziki over the filling, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and add a zesty lemon juice squeeze to elevate the gyro’s flavor profile, then fold the pita into a compact, mouthwatering package ready to devour.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in marinade overnight for deeper, more intense taste that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
- Tzatziki Texture Trick: Drain excess cucumber water by salting and letting sit for 10 minutes to prevent watery sauce and maintain creamy consistency.
- Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safety while preserving juicy tenderness.
- Pita Warming Technique: Briefly toast pita on direct flame or hot skillet for 15-20 seconds to enhance flexibility and develop subtle smoky undertones without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg