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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe

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4.4 from 82 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 26 minutes (excluding marination time)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki recipe offers a deliciously marinated chicken thigh served with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh salad, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful Mediterranean meal, this dish combines tender grilled chicken, cooling cucumber yogurt sauce, and vibrant tomato-cucumber salad, making it an ideal shareable dinner or lunch option.

Ingredients

Marinade and Chicken

  • 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless 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 if desired)
  • 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

To Serve

  • 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling or frying chicken)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade and Marinate Chicken: Place the garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into a ziplock bag and massage to mix thoroughly. Add the chicken thighs to the bag and massage again to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, or ideally up to 12 hours but no more than 24 hours for best flavor infusion.
  2. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the watery seeds. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater, then wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible to prevent watery sauce. Place the squeezed cucumber into a bowl, add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and allow the flavors to meld by setting aside for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Prepare Salad: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until ready to assemble.
  4. Cook Chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them on the grill or in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
  5. Rest Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and transfer onto a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Assemble Gyros: If your chicken thighs are large, cut them into smaller pieces suitable for filling. Warm the pita or flatbreads and place each on a piece of parchment or foil. Lay a generous amount of salad along the center of the bread, top with the cooked chicken, and finish with a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Roll up the bread tightly, securing the wrap by twisting the excess parchment or foil ends. Cut the gyro in half if desired.
  7. Serve: Lay everything out and let everyone assemble their gyros to taste, making this a perfect communal dining experience.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken for longer (up to 12 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Removing excess cucumber liquid before making tzatziki prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
  • You can cook the chicken on a grill or on the stovetop in a frying pan, depending on preference and equipment.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier tzatziki.
  • Optional fresh parsley in the salad adds a bright, herbaceous note.
  • Warm pita bread before assembling for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

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