Description
Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean delight with these Greek Chicken Gyros topped with creamy cucumber tzatziki and a vibrant salad. Packed with tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, this recipe combines traditional Greek flavors for a satisfying and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Cucumber Tzatziki
- 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
Salad
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Other
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Place all marinade ingredients—minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and pepper—into a ziplock bag and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Marinate chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade bag, massage gently to coat the chicken evenly, then seal and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours to allow flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Make the tzatziki: Grate the cucumbers, then drain them well to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to chill and meld flavors.
- Prepare the salad: In a separate bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss gently.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil to prevent sticking and prepare for the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.
- Rest and slice chicken: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice it into thin strips suitable for wrapping.
- Assemble gyros: Warm the pita breads or flatbreads. Layer with prepared salad, sliced chicken, and a generous dollop of cucumber tzatziki in the center.
- Serve: Wrap the filled pita breads snugly with parchment paper, twist to secure the contents, and serve immediately for a fresh, savory Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Ensure cucumbers are well drained to prevent watery tzatziki.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more juiciness.
- To keep gyros warm while assembling, wrap them in foil after wrapping with parchment.
- Serve with additional lemon wedges or hot sauce for extra zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, cucumber tzatziki, Mediterranean chicken, grilled chicken gyros, Greek yogurt sauce, healthy gyros recipe
