This tasty Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is full of flavor! Made with tender marinated chicken, warm pita bread, and fresh veggies, it’s a perfect meal to impress family and friends.
Who doesn’t love a good gyros? I always load mine up with extra tzatziki sauce. It’s like a party in my mouth! 🌯 Don’t forget your favorite toppings for the ultimate bite!
I love how easy it is to whip together the marinade and grill the chicken. Plus, it’s great for meal prep! Just make a batch and enjoy gyros all week long—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work, but they can dry out more easily. You could also use beef or lamb for a different twist!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the marinade. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil or grapeseed oil can work well without altering the taste too much.
Spices: Dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin are key for an authentic flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can be suitable alternatives. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also add a fresh touch!
Pita Bread: Traditional pita bread is great, but you can use flatbreads or even tortillas if you can’t find it. Whole wheat pita can also be a healthier option.
Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is perfect for Tzatziki, but you can substitute with regular plain yogurt if needed, although it won’t be as thick. If dairy is an issue, try dairy-free yogurt alternatives, like coconut or almond yogurt.
How Do I Get Juicy, Flavorful Chicken?
Getting the chicken just right is crucial for tasty gyros. The marinade does all the heavy lifting! To ensure juicy chicken, marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best as it allows maximum flavor absorption.
- Combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, and seasonings in a bowl. This blend brings great flavor.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade and cover it before refrigerating.
- Preheat your grill or skillet! A hot surface helps achieve that lovely char and keeps the juices inside.
- Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting locks in flavor!
How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4-6 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation and at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (preferably overnight). The grilling takes around 15 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your Greek Chicken Gyros, including the marination time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade! In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once everything is well combined, add the chicken thighs to the bowl and make sure they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, overnight is even better!
2. Grilling the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and grill it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for it to be fully cooked and nicely charred. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. Making the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is resting, let’s make the Tzatziki sauce! In a clean bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Now, take your diced cucumber, squeeze out any excess moisture, and mix it in. Stir until it’s smooth and set aside until you’re ready to assemble.
4. Assembling the Gyros:
To put it all together, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or on the grill for just a few seconds to make it more pliable. Start layering with a generous amount of sliced chicken, followed by the diced cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle the Tzatziki sauce over everything and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bit of color.
5. Wrapping and Serving:
Now, wrap the pita around your delicious filling and enjoy right away! These gyros are perfect served with your favorite sides or a fresh salad. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs! Just keep in mind that breasts may cook more quickly, so check for doneness after about 5-6 minutes on each side. Chicken breasts can also be a little drier, so don’t skip the marinating step—it helps lock in moisture!
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for Tzatziki?
No worries! You can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream in a pinch. Just add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of chopped dill to help mimic that tangy flavor typical of Tzatziki.
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal flavor, keep the ingredients (chicken, veggies, and sauce) separate until you’re ready to eat, as this helps prevent the pita from getting soggy!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken and let it marinate when you’re ready to cook—this will enhance the flavors even more!
