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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh tomato and cucumber salad, and warm pita bread. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal that can be assembled quickly for a casual lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Marinade and Chicken

  • 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or 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

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2 - 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
  • 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more for richer taste)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
  • 3 cucumbers, diced
  • 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the marinade ingredients (garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and black pepper) in a ziplock bag and massage to mix. Add the chicken thigh fillets into the bag and massage again to ensure all chicken pieces are well coated. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally up to 12 hours but not exceeding 24 hours for best flavor and tenderness.
  2. Prepare Tzatziki: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the watery seeds. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater, then wrap it tightly in paper towels or a clean tea towel to squeeze out excess liquid. Place the grated cucumber in a bowl, then add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the tzatziki rest for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Make the Salad: Combine the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley leaves in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently. Set aside for serving.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high and brush the grates with oil or alternatively heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting the time depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
  5. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before slicing or assembling.
  6. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita or flatbreads and place each on a piece of parchment or foil. Spread a layer of the salad along the center of each bread, then add slices of the cooked chicken followed by a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Roll the bread up tightly, securing by twisting the parchment or foil ends. Cut in half if desired.
  7. Serve: Arrange the gyros on a serving platter, presenting the option for guests to self-assemble or enjoy assembled wraps immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but a minimum of 2 hours will still yield good results.
  • Removing excess water from the grated cucumber is essential to keep the tzatziki sauce thick and creamy.
  • If you don’t have a grill, cooking the chicken in a skillet or frying pan works perfectly.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer taste and creamier tzatziki.
  • Feel free to add fresh mint or dill to the tzatziki for additional herbal flavor if desired.
  • Warming pita breads before assembling makes them more pliable and delicious.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki-recipe/