Ingredients

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full fat)

1½ tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

2 cucumbers, grated and drained

1¼ cups Greek yogurt

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

¼ tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

3 tomatoes, diced

3 cucumbers, diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup parsley (optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed

Instructions

Step 1: In a ziplock bag, combine the garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.

Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the bag, massage the marinade into the meat, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 12 hours.

Step 3: Grate the cucumbers and drain excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the grated cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to prepare the tzatziki. Set aside.

Step 4: In another bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, parsley if using, and season with salt and pepper to make the salad.

Step 5: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 8: Warm the pita breads, then layer the salad, sliced chicken, and cucumber tzatziki in the center of each pita.

Step 9: Wrap each gyro with parchment paper, twist to secure, and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Use Greek yogurt with full fat for richer, creamier tzatziki.

Try adding sliced red peppers or olives to the salad for a different twist.

If you don’t have a grill, cooking the chicken in a hot cast iron skillet works perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful, making them ideal for this recipe.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

The chicken can marinate for as little as 3 hours or up to 12 hours. Longer marination enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Dinner

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction