Description
Succulent Greek chicken gyros dance with zesty cucumber tzatziki in this Mediterranean masterpiece. Rich layers of marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce create a classic street food experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Oils:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 grams) Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gyros Assembly:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice, fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, crumbled dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour to absorb the Mediterranean flavors.
- Heat a grill or heavy skillet to medium temperature, creating an ideal surface for cooking the marinated chicken to a perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Carefully place chicken thighs on the hot surface, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until the meat is completely cooked through and displays a delectable caramelized finish.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly, then slice into thin, succulent strips for easy gyro assembly.
- Craft the creamy tzatziki by combining tangy Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, crushed garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently warm the soft pita breads to enhance their texture and pliability.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared tzatziki sauce across each pita, creating a luscious base for the gyro.
- Layer the sliced chicken strips, followed by crisp red onion, ripe tomato chunks, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Carefully roll the pita into a compact wrap, ensuring all ingredients are securely nestled inside, and serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption by using a resealable plastic bag, ensuring even coating and easier cleanup.
- Drain grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki, squeezing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat that stays tender and doesn’t dry out during grilling or pan-cooking.
- Customize gyros for different dietary needs by using gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps, and swapping dairy yogurt with coconut or almond-based alternatives for vegan options.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg