Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros feature juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and paprika, then grilled to perfection and served with fresh veggies and traditional toppings, making it a satisfying and delicious dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Ensure the chicken is nicely charred and juicy.
- Rest and slice chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for filling the gyros.
- Warm the pita bread: Gently warm the pita breads on the grill, in a dry skillet, or in the oven until soft and pliable, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Assemble the gyros: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce onto each warm pita. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and the sliced grilled chicken. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the fillings.
- Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings to enclose the gyro. Serve immediately while warm, optionally paired with fries or a Greek salad for a full meal.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve the gyros with Greek fries or a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Leftover grilled chicken is excellent for meal prep and can be used in salads or wraps the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
