Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
A refreshing and flavorful Greek dish featuring marinated chicken served with creamy tzatziki and fresh veggies, perfect for any meal occasion.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Tender and juicy, perfect for marination.
- 3 tbsp olive oil Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 each juice of 1 lemon Brightens the flavors and enhances chicken tenderness.
- 2 tsp dried oregano A classic herb that evokes the taste of Greece.
- 1 tsp paprika For a subtle hint of smokiness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin Provides an earthy and warm flavor.
- to taste salt and black pepper Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.
For the tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt The star ingredient in tzatziki, creamy and delicious.
- 1 tbsp olive oil To enrich the tzatziki sauce further.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped Gives a burst of herbal freshness.
- 0.5 each lemon, juiced Zesty accent for the tzatziki.
- 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Extra zing for the tzatziki.
- to taste salt and black pepper For taste balance.
For assembly
- 4-6 each pita breads Soft and perfect for wrapping.
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese Creamy and salty, it elevates the dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Juicy bursts of sweetness.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Adds crunch and a sharp flavor.
- Fresh lettuce leaves For a crisp, green touch.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Make the Tzatziki
- In another bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes to enhance the flavors.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow it to rest for five minutes before slicing the chicken into strips.
Warm the Pitas
- In a dry skillet, warm each pita bread for about thirty seconds per side. This step makes them soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping your delicious fillings.
Assemble the Gyros
- On each warm pita, spread a generous amount of tzatziki, followed by the chicken strips. Top with sliced onions, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh lettuce. You can either fold the pita or serve it open-faced, depending on your preference.
Notes
Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, creating truly succulent meat. Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or parsley in your tzatziki for a personalized touch. For an easy dinner party, consider setting up a DIY gyro bar. Lay out the warm pita, tzatziki, chicken, and toppings so guests can make their unique creations.