Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki recipe features tender marinated chicken thigh fillets grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh tomato cucumber salad, and warm pita breads. The flavorful marinade combines garlic, lemon juice, oregano, yogurt, and olive oil, making it an authentic Greek street food experience perfect for a quick and easy dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless skinless
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or 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
Tzatziki Sauce
- 2 cucumbers (to make 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 if desired)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 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
To Serve
- 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads, preferably warmed
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the marinade ingredients (garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper) in a ziplock bag and massage to mix thoroughly. Add the chicken thigh fillets to the bag and massage to coat them evenly with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally up to 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours to maximize flavor.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the watery seeds. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or a kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid. Place the cucumber in a bowl and add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Make Tomato Cucumber Salad: In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley leaves if using. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently to combine.
- Cook Chicken: Brush your outdoor grill with oil and preheat on medium-high heat, or heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times might vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the grill or pan and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.
- Assemble the Gyros: If chicken thigh fillets are large, cut them into smaller pieces. Place a warmed pita bread or flatbread on parchment or foil paper. Layer some tomato cucumber salad down the middle, add a portion of the chicken, then top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Roll up the bread tightly, enclosing it with the parchment paper and twisting the ends to secure. Optionally, cut the wraps before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Lay out all components on a table to allow everyone to assemble their own gyros or serve immediately. These gyros make a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings the authentic flavors of Greece to your table.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours to allow full flavor absorption; overnight is ideal.
- Remove excess cucumber juice from tzatziki to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Using full-fat Greek yogurt yields the creamiest and most authentic tzatziki.
- You can grill chicken outdoors or pan-fry indoors depending on available equipment and weather.
- Warm pita breads before assembling for a better texture and flavor.
- Optional parsley in salad adds freshness but can be omitted based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
