This Easy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe brings delicious flavors to your table in no time! Juicy chicken marinated in herbs, served in warm pita with fresh veggies, it’s a tasty meal everyone will love.
Who doesn’t love a fun, handheld meal? I often make extra so I can enjoy them for lunch the next day. Just heat up the leftovers, and it’s like a mini fiesta in my lunchbox! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts. Just note that they might not stay as tender.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, regular white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works too. Just use a little less, as they are stronger.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt makes for a creamy sauce. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free yogurt. You can add a bit of lemon juice for tanginess.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro brightens the gyros. If you can’t get fresh herbs, a teaspoon of dried herbs will do the trick but adjust based on flavor preference!
How Do I Make Juicy Chicken Every Time?
Getting the chicken just right is all about marinating and cooking it properly. Here’s how to ensure it stays moist and flavorful:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is best. This helps infuse flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the chicken in a hot pan. This helps get that nice char while keeping the juices inside.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken for your gyros every time!
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
- For the Gyros:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced or grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Estimate
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Plan for around 1 hour total, including cooking time, for a delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely diced cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Warm the Pitas
To warm the pita breads or flatbreads, place them on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side, making sure they are soft and slightly toasted.
5. Assemble the Gyros
Take a warm pita and place a generous amount of chicken strips in the center. Add diced cucumber, tomato slices, and red onion on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Finally, drizzle plenty of tzatziki sauce over the fillings.
6. Serve
Wrap the pita around the fillings tightly to keep everything inside. Serve your Greek chicken gyros immediately, with extra tzatziki on the side if you like.
Enjoy your quick, flavorful Greek chicken gyros – a perfect easy meal packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant herbs!
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Gyros
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to watch the cooking time to prevent them from drying out, as breasts can cook faster than thighs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover gyros separately: chicken and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet and assemble the gyros fresh for the best taste.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the dip!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, arugula, or even olives can add great flavor and texture to your gyros. Customize them to suit your taste!
