Description
This Chicken Gyros recipe offers juicy, tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, paired with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in warm, soft pita bread. Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, it makes a perfect meal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4–6 pita breads, soft and warm
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended to create a fragrant marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice chicken thighs into bite-sized strips and toss into the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until thoroughly cooked and slightly charred around the edges. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Wrap pita breads in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or heat directly on a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay warm pita flat, add a generous portion of cooked chicken, then top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, shredded lettuce, and drizzle with creamy tzatziki. Fold or roll tightly to enclose all the filling.
Notes
- Marinate longer (overnight) for even more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to promote better browning and caramelization.
- Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure high heat.
- Sprinkle fresh oregano or dill over the finished gyros for enhanced aroma and taste.
- Serve immediately to keep pita soft and chicken juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and Oven Warming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro (with pita and toppings)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken gyros, Mediterranean chicken, Greek recipe, quick chicken dinner, tzatziki sauce, pita wrap, healthy chicken recipe
