Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon Herb & Tzatziki

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast is also a great substitute.

Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor. You can use avocado oil if you want a different taste or need a high smoke point for grilling.

Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt gives a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, low-fat works just as well. You can even use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option!

Cucumber: For tzatziki, any type of cucumber is fine. If you’re short on fresh cucumbers, try pickles for a tangy kick or even grated zucchini!

Dill: Fresh dill is amazing, but dried dill can be used in a pinch. You can also replace it with mint for a fresh twist.

How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?

Marinating chicken might seem simple, but it’s key to flavorful gyros! Make sure to let your chicken sit in the marinade long enough—ideally 3 to 4 hours. Here’s the process:

• Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until combined.
• Submerge the chicken in the marinade, coating it fully. A resealable bag works great for this!
• Cover and refrigerate. For the best flavor, aim for a longer marinating time.

What’s the Best Way to Make Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki is all about balancing flavors. To get it just right:

• Grate the cucumber, then squeeze it dry to prevent a watery sauce.
• Mix all ingredients together in a bowl; taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or dill as you like.
• Chill before serving for the best flavor!

With these tips, you’ll have delicious gyros that impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking!

Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon Herb & Tzatziki

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
• ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
• Sliced red onions
• Sliced tomatoes
• Fresh lettuce or shredded iceberg lettuce
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Extra lemon wedges, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This tasty recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (preferably 3-4 hours). After that, cooking the chicken takes about 15 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with some downtime while the chicken marinates. Enjoy the process, and it’ll be worth the wait!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally for 3-4 hours. This helps infuse all the flavors into the chicken!

2. Make the Tzatziki:

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully!

3. Cook the Chicken:

Once the chicken is done marinating, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on an outdoor grill for that smoky flavor!

4. Rest and Slice:

Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juiciness. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips to make it easy to assemble in your gyros.

5. Assemble the Gyros:

Warm the pita breads slightly in a skillet or in the oven to make them pliable. Place a generous amount of sliced chicken in the center of each pita. Top with sliced red onion, tomato, fresh lettuce, and a healthy dollop of tzatziki sauce. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor!

6. Serve:

Fold the gyros closed and serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side. These gyros are not just delicious—they’re also a crowd-pleaser!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb & Tzatziki! 🍽️

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with lamb, beef, or even shrimp if you want a seafood twist. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may vary in cooking time.

How Long Can I Store Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?

You can store leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If it gets watery, just give it a stir before serving!

Can I Make the Gyros Vegan?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms. For the tzatziki, use a plant-based yogurt alternative and follow the same preparation steps.

How Do I Prevent the Pita Bread from Getting Soggy?

To keep the pita from getting soggy, you can toast them briefly before assembling the gyros. Additionally, adding the tzatziki sauce just before serving can help maintain the pita’s texture!