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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled or pan-cooked to perfection, served in warm pita bread with fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This classic Mediterranean dish is bursting with vibrant flavors from garlic, lemon, oregano, and dill, making it a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for cooking

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated English cucumber, water squeezed out and completely dry
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from the zested lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Gyro Assembly

  • 6 pita breads or flatbreads of choice
  • 2–3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large tomato, roughly chopped into pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Marinate the chicken: In a large container or ziplock bag, combine the chicken thighs with the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Use your hands to massage the marinade thoroughly into the chicken pieces until evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 12 hours, turning halfway through for even marination.
  3. Cook the chicken (Grilling method): Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
  4. Cook the chicken (Indoor skillet method): Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3-5 minutes per side until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Slice the chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice each piece into strips suitable for assembling the gyros.
  6. Assemble the gyros: Warm the pita breads briefly if desired. Evenly distribute the sliced chicken among the pitas, then top with chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Greek chicken gyros.

Notes

  • You can marinate the chicken overnight (up to 12 hours) for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • If grilling outdoors, ensure the grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  • Warming the pita or flatbreads before assembly enhances pliability and flavor.
  • For a spicier gyro, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, pita sandwich, healthy Greek food

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