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Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros is a flavorful and satisfying dish with marinated, grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggies all wrapped in soft pita. It’s perfect for a delicious homemade meal that captures the essence of Greek street food.
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Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
  • 4-6 pita or flatbreads
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes diced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken:
  1. Begin by preparing the marinade! In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once everything is well mixed, add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
Grilling the Chicken:
  1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and grill it for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Making the Tzatziki Sauce:
  1. While the chicken is resting, prepare the Tzatziki sauce. In a separate bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Dice the cucumber, squeeze out any excess moisture, and stir it into the yogurt mixture. Mix until smooth and set aside for later use.
Assembling the Gyros:
  1. To assemble, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or on the grill for a few seconds to make it more pliable. Start by layering the pita with a generous portion of sliced chicken, followed by diced cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle the Tzatziki sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Wrapping and Serving:
  1. Now, wrap the pita around the fillings and serve immediately! These delicious gyros pair perfectly with your favorite sides or a fresh Greek salad. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!

Notes

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs! Keep in mind that breasts cook faster, so check for doneness after about 5-6 minutes on each side. Chicken breasts tend to be a bit drier, so don’t skip the marinating step—it helps lock in moisture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for Tzatziki?
No problem! You can substitute with regular plain yogurt or even sour cream if needed. Just add a little extra lemon juice or chopped dill to recreate the tangy flavor typical of Tzatziki.
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best taste, keep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce separate from the pita to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken and let it marinate—this will give the flavors even more time to develop!