Greek Chicken Gyros 🍗🌯

Savor the taste of Greece with this delightful Chicken Gyros recipe that's marinated to perfection and filled with fresh toppings. These gyros are juicy, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Serve with warm pita bread and homemade tzatziki sauce for a truly authentic experience!

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the tzatziki sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh dill (or 1/2 tsp dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish

• Warm pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Fresh lettuce or arugula
• Sliced Kalamata olives (optional)

Instructions

• Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, making sure it's well coated, and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).

🔪 The longer you marinate, the more the flavors develop! If short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak will still give great results.

• Make the tzatziki sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

• Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

🍗 For added smoky flavor, grill the chicken over direct flame or use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

• Assemble the gyros: Warm the pita bread, and layer on the sliced chicken. Top with fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Add olives if desired.

🌿 To create a more personalized experience, let everyone build their own gyros at the table with their favorite toppings!

Variations

• Grilled Veggie Gyros: For a vegetarian version, use grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant instead of chicken. Marinate the vegetables in the same marinade for a delicious flavor boost! 🥒
• Pork or Lamb Lovers: Feel free to swap chicken for pork or lamb, both of which are traditional in Greek gyros.
• Spicy Twist: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy harissa to your tzatziki for an extra kick! 🌶️
• Whole Wheat Pita: Use whole wheat pita for a healthier option while still enjoying that classic gyro taste.

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is a wonderful way to experience bold flavors and fresh ingredients, bringing a taste of Greece right to your kitchen! Enjoy! 🌍❤️