These Easy Greek Chicken Gyros are bursting with flavor! The chicken is marinated in a tasty lemon herb mix and served in warm pita with creamy tzatziki. Yummy!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good gyro? It’s like a flavor party wrapped up in pita! I love serving them with extra tzatziki for dipping. Enjoy the fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Feel free to substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a nice flavor to the marinade. If you’re out, use regular olive oil or avocado oil instead. Both work well in marinades!
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt is the best for tzatziki’s rich and creamy texture. You can use low-fat yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative, like coconut yogurt, if needed.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are favorites. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them for more flavor intensity. You can replace dried herbs with fresh: use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to getting that delicious flavor in your gyros. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade until well combined—this helps the flavors blend.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
- Let it marinate in the fridge. The longer, the better! Aim for at least 1 hour or overnight to really soak in the flavor.
How Do You Make Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki is simple, and it adds so much to your gyros! Follow these steps:
- Start with Greek yogurt in a bowl. It should be thick and creamy.
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Add minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and optional herbs. Mix well!
- Season with salt and pepper; taste and adjust as you like. Chill until serving!
Enjoy creating these tasty gyros that will impress everyone!
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lemon Herb Marinade and Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for best creaminess)
- ½ large cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Assemble:
- 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh parsley or lettuce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (ideally 3-4 hours or overnight). Cooking takes approximately another 15 minutes. So, you can have these delicious gyros ready in about 30 minutes once the chicken is marinated!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture smells amazing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place your chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but if you can wait, let it marinate for up to overnight for maximum flavor!
3. Make the Tzatziki:
In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs if you’re using them. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until well mixed, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy your gyros!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want it to be nicely browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Slice the Chicken:
When the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
6. Warm the Pita:
While the chicken is resting, you can warm the pita breads lightly on the grill or in a dry skillet until they are soft and pliable, making them easier to wrap.
7. Assemble the Gyros:
Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita. Layer it with sliced chicken, red onion, tomato, cucumber, and optional fresh parsley or lettuce for extra crunch!
8. Serve:
Fold or roll up the pita to enclose all the delicious fillings. Serve immediately and enjoy with extra tzatziki on the side if you like!
Enjoy your easy and flavorful Greek chicken gyros with fresh lemon herb marinade and creamy tzatziki! They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just remember that they might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 3-4 hours or even overnight. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can make the chicken mushy.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt for Tzatziki?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt. For a lighter version, low-fat yogurt works too, but it may be less creamy.
How Do I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toast the pita in a skillet or microwave before serving again, and add a fresh dip of tzatziki for the best taste!
Enjoy making your gyros, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions!
