Name: Juicy Greek Chicken Gyros At Home Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 pita breads or flatbreads; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Introduction

Enjoy the flavors of Greece with this juicy Greek chicken gyros recipe that’s easy to make at home. Tender marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

The image shows a flat white pita bread as the base layer with slight brown toasted spots. On top of the pita, there are bright red thick tomato slices arranged around the edge. Above the tomatoes, there are many grilled chicken strips with visible char marks, stacked in a slightly leaning manner. The chicken has a light brown color with darker brown grill lines. At the very top, a creamy white sauce is spread, garnished with chopped green herbs. The whole dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

4 pita breads or flatbreads

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.

Step 3: Grill or cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.

Step 5: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips.

Step 6: Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 7: Assemble the gyros by placing chicken strips on each pita. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, diced cucumber, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 9: Fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

Try adding feta cheese or sliced olives for a richer gyro experience.

If you prefer, use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook.

Homemade tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill enhances freshness and taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for gyros?

Yes, traditional gyros are often made with pork, lamb, or beef. You can substitute chicken with any of these or even use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.

What can I use if I don’t have pita bread?

If pita bread isn’t available, flatbreads or wraps are great alternatives. They will still hold the fillings well and offer a similar texture.