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Juicy Greek Chicken Gyros At Home Recipe

5 from 122 reviews

This Juicy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe brings the authentic flavors of a classic Greek street food right into your kitchen. Featuring tender marinated chicken thighs grilled or pan-cooked to perfection, and served in warm pita bread topped with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce, these gyros are both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 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

Gyro Assembly

  • 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

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown color. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  4. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute in the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
  5. Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for filling the gyros.
  6. Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken rests, warm the pita breads either on the grill or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through and pliable.
  7. Assemble the Gyros: Place several strips of sliced chicken in the center of each warmed pita. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, and add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
  8. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the gyro fillings for added color and a fresh herbaceous note.
  9. Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings snugly and serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, can enhance the flavor even more.
  • If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried oregano or mint can also be used as a garnish.
  • Tzatziki sauce can be homemade with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a fresher taste.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
  • Use pita or any flatbread of your choice; warming the bread ensures it’s soft and easy to fold.

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, homemade gyros, grilled chicken gyros, tzatziki sauce, pita sandwich, Mediterranean recipe