Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Grill or Cook Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread
- Warm Pitas: Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill, grill pan, or in the oven until soft and pliable.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
- Assemble: Place a warm pita bread on a plate. Add a generous amount of sliced chicken in the center.
- Add Toppings: Top the chicken with cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped lettuce, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
- Drizzle Tzatziki: Drizzle with the prepared tzatziki sauce.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve: Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve the gyros immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the assembled gyros for extra brightness.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
- Storing: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures delicious and authentic gyros every time. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful gyros with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
Greek Chicken Gyros offer a delicious and authentic meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. This versatile recipe can be customized with various toppings and seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy the rich, flavorful, and satisfying goodness of these amazing gyros!