Greek Chicken Gyros – Homemade Tzatziki Included!

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine with homemade chicken gyros and tzatziki sauce. This beloved dish combines marinated chicken thighs, grilled to perfection, with fresh vegetables and a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce. Discover how to elevate your meal with simple ingredients and expert tips on marination and assembly. The perfect balance of taste and nutrition, these gyros are sure to delight at any gathering or weeknight dinner! Embrace the essence of Greece in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt, to taste

For Assembly:

Pita bread or flatbreads

Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber)

Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

- Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

- In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.

- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cook the Chicken:

- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.

- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

- Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Assemble the Gyros:

- Warm the pita bread in a dry pan or grill for a minute on each side.

- Layer sliced chicken on the pita, followed by fresh vegetables of your choice (lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, and cucumber).

- Drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Serve:

- Roll the pita around the fillings, secure with parchment paper if needed, and enjoy your homemade Greek chicken gyros with tzatziki!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour + marinating | Serves 4