Every time I think about Greek Chicken Gyros, I’m transported back to that little street vendor in Athens where the aroma of grilled meat and tangy tzatziki sauce filled the air—pure magic! Gyros are like a hug you can eat, with warm pita bread wrapping around juicy, spiced chicken and crisp veggies. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a picnic blanket and find a sunny spot, even if it’s just in your living room.
Steps
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine the marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag, including minced garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, seal the bag, and massage to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally up to 12 hours, but no more than 24 hours.
- Make the Tzatziki: Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels. Combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high and brush with oil. Alternatively, heat oil in a frypan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes before serving.
- Assemble the Gyros: If the chicken thighs are large, cut them into smaller pieces. Place a warmed pita or flatbread on parchment paper or foil. Layer salad, cooked chicken, and tzatziki down the center of the bread. Roll the bread tightly, secure it with the parchment, and twist the ends to keep it closed. Cut in half if desired, or serve as is. Allow guests to assemble their own for a DIY meal experience.
Ingredients
- 2 lb / 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or substitute with red wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cucumbers (enough to yield about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
- 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more for a richer taste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2567.12cal | Carbohydrates: 190.56g | Protein: 258.76g | Fat: 81.04g | Saturated Fat: 18.32g | Cholesterol: 968.64mg | Sodium: 5189.24mg | Potassium: 5826.24mg | Fiber: 20.36g | Sugar: 44.84g | Vitamin A: 5821.2IU | Vitamin C: 142.68mg | Calcium: 930.28mg | Iron: 16.36mg
FAQ
- How long should I marinate the chicken for Greek Chicken Gyros?
- Ideally, the chicken should be marinated for 12 hours to achieve the best flavor infusion, but a minimum of 2 to 3 hours is also effective. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours.
- Can I cook the Greek Chicken Gyros indoors?
- Yes, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan indoors. However, during warmer months, it’s also a great option to cook the chicken on a BBQ for enhanced flavor.
- What makes the marinade for Greek Chicken Gyros special?
- The marinade uses Greek yogurt, which acts as a flavor carrier and tenderizes the chicken. The paste-like consistency of the marinade helps it cling to the chicken, ensuring a rich flavor.
- What are the components of a Greek Chicken Gyros wrap?
- A Greek Chicken Gyros wrap typically includes marinated Greek chicken, tzatziki sauce, a tomato and cucumber salad, and flatbread or pita bread.
- What sides can I serve with Greek Chicken Gyros?
- While the Gyros can be a meal on its own, you can serve it with a Greek salad, Greek Lemon Orzo Salad, or a cucumber salad with garlic and herb dressing for additional freshness and flavor.
Tips
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours. If time allows, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too tender.
- Cucumber Preparation for Tzatziki: To ensure your tzatziki isn’t watery, remove the seeds from the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid after grating. This step helps maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.
- Grilling Tips: Whether using an outdoor grill or a grill pan, make sure to preheat it and brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Cooking the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown ensures a juicy and flavorful result.
- DIY Assembly: For gatherings, consider setting up a DIY gyros station where guests can assemble their own wraps. This not only makes hosting easier but also allows everyone to customize their gyros to their liking.
Equipment
- Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill – If you don’t already have a grill, you might consider purchasing a grill pan for indoor cooking or an outdoor grill for barbecuing.
- Box Grater – Useful for grating the cucumber for the Tzatziki.
- Ziplock Bags – Handy for marinating the chicken.
- Parchment (Baking) Paper or Foil – Used for assembling and wrapping the Gyros.