Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros feature tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Greece with a rich, flavorful twist that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to develop deep flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through and have a slight char. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki: In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated and well-drained cucumber, chopped fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Place pita bread rounds on the grill or in a warm pan for 1-2 minutes until soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy feta tzatziki over each warm pita. Layer with sliced grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh tomato slices. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Wrap each gyro neatly in parchment paper or foil to hold everything together, making them easy to handle and eat. Serve immediately for the best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure to squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs provide juicier, more flavorful results.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- These gyros can also be prepared under a broiler if a grill pan or grill is unavailable.
