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Bring the zesty flavor of street-side Mediterranean eats straight to your kitchen with this genuine Greek chicken gyro. The mix of tender marinated chicken, fresh crunchy veggies, and smooth tzatziki comes together in a way that'll make you feel like you're walking through a busy food market in Athens.
I whipped up these gyros for the first time after coming back from exploring Greece, where I couldn't get enough of their amazing street food. I tried making them several times at home until I finally got that unforgettable taste just right.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs these stay moist and soft with a bit of char, exactly what you want for proper gyros
- Olive oil forms the foundation of our Mediterranean marinade and brings that real Greek taste
- Fresh lemon juice helps soften the meat while adding a nice zing to your chicken
- Minced garlic gives the chicken that deep flavor kick that's central to Greek cooking
- Dried oregano this must-have Greek spice creates that classic flavor you're looking for
- Greek yogurt go for whole milk version to make your tzatziki extra creamy with just the right tang
- Cucumber adds a cool crunch in your tzatziki, make sure to squeeze out the water for best results
- Fresh dill gives that special herby taste that makes homemade tzatziki stand out
- Pita breads try to find thick, fluffy ones that won't tear when you stuff them full
- Fresh vegetables crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and sharp red onion give everything a fresh pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Stir it well until everything's blended. Toss in the chicken thighs and rub the mixture all over each piece. Wrap the bowl with plastic and put it in the fridge for at least an hour, but leaving it overnight works even better since it gives time for all those flavors to really sink into the meat.
- Prepare the Tzatziki
- Shred your cucumber with the big holes on a grater. Wrap the shredded bits in a kitchen towel and squeeze hard to get all the water out—this stops your sauce from getting runny. In a bowl, mix your Greek yogurt, the dried cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Add salt and pepper and mix it all up. Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least half an hour so all those tastes can mingle and get friendly.
- Cook the Chicken
- Get your grill, grill pan, or heavy frying pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Take the chicken from the marinade, let the extra drip off, and put it on to cook. Don't move it around for about 6-7 minutes until it gets a nice golden color with some charred bits. Flip it over and cook another 6-7 minutes until it hits 165°F inside. Move it to a cutting board and let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips across the grain.
- Assemble the Gyros
- Heat your pita breads on the grill or in a dry pan for about half a minute on each side until they're soft and bendy but not crispy. Put each pita flat and line up your sliced chicken down the middle, leaving some space at the edges for folding. Add your sliced tomatoes, rings of red onion, and fresh lettuce evenly across the top of your chicken.
- Serve
- Drop a big spoonful of tzatziki over everything you've stacked up. Fold the bottom of the pita up a little bit, then fold one side over and keep rolling to make a wrapped sandwich. You can hold it together with some parchment paper or foil to make it easier to eat. Serve them right away while they're still warm and put extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.
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The tzatziki sauce really makes this dish special. My grandma always told me to salt the cucumber and drain it well before adding it to the yogurt. I skipped this step once and ended up with a watery mess that just ran off the gyro. These days I always make extra tzatziki because my family uses it to dip everything from veggie sticks to pita chips for days afterward.
Make Ahead Options
What's great about these gyros is how they fit into busy lives. You can soak the chicken in its marinade up to a full day ahead and just keep it covered in the fridge. The tzatziki actually gets better when you make it a day early because all those flavors have more time to mix together. You can keep it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to three days. If you're planning meals, cut all your veggies and store them separately. When you're ready to eat, just cook your chicken, warm up the pitas, and throw everything together for a fresh meal in no time.
Perfect Pairings
These gyros go really well with other Greek sides for a full Mediterranean meal. Try serving them with a basic Greek salad that has chunks of feta, kalamata olives, cucumbers, and a simple dressing. Lemon potatoes cooked with olive oil and oregano make a tasty side that matches the gyro flavors. If you want something lighter, go with some tabbouleh or a basic rice dish flavored with lemon and dill. Round off your meal with a glass of cool white wine like Assyrtiko or a light beer.
Authentic Variations
While chicken gyros are classic Greek food, you can try other authentic versions too. For a real pork gyro, use thin slices of pork shoulder with the same marinade. Many Greek islands love lamb gyros, using ground lamb shaped on a spit and cut into thin pieces. In northern parts of Greece, they often use beef instead of chicken. If you don't eat meat, try big slices of portobello mushrooms or firm tofu in the same marinade. No matter which protein you pick, you'll always want the warm pita, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Common Queries
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
You'll want to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but letting it sit overnight in your fridge will give you much better flavor.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely, you can swap in boneless chicken breasts. Just watch your cooking time as they tend to cook quicker and can dry out if left too long.
- → What can I use instead of Tzatziki sauce?
You can simply mix plain Greek yogurt with a little olive oil drizzled on top, or try a mild garlic sauce instead.
- → How do I keep pita bread soft and warm?
Heat your pita on a dry pan, over the grill, or in your microwave. Then wrap them in a kitchen towel to trap the heat and keep them nice and soft.
- → Can I make the chicken gyros ahead of time?
You can get the chicken ready and make your Tzatziki ahead of time. Just wait to put your gyros together until you're ready to eat for the freshest taste.
- → What sides pair well with gyros?
These gyros taste great with a simple Greek salad, some crispy roasted potatoes, or a scoop of seasoned rice on the side.