Description
A fresh and flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread for a satisfying Greek-style meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lb (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
- 4 tbsp lemon juice (divided)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1½ tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- For the Tzatziki:
- 2 cucumbers (½–¾ cup grated after squeezing)
- 1¼ cups Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- For the Salad:
- 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- To Serve:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag. Add chicken, coat evenly, and marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: Halve cucumbers, remove seeds, and grate. Squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels. Mix with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill for 20 minutes.
- Make the Salad: Combine diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita bread, layer salad, add sliced chicken, and top with tzatziki. Wrap tightly in parchment or foil and serve.
Notes
- Top with crumbled feta for extra flavor.
- Use grilled vegetables instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the tzatziki for a spicy twist.
- Use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Marinate chicken up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg