A Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a delicious and refreshing dish featuring tender chicken wrapped in a soft pita, paired with a tangy and creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce. Here’s a simple recipe for you to prepare it at home!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4-6 pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess water with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you don’t have one, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and browned. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita or flatbread on the grill or in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side.
- Place the sliced chicken on the pita and top with cucumber tzatziki sauce.
- Optionally, add fresh veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions.
- Roll or fold the pita around the filling, and your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are ready to enjoy!
5. Serve:
- Serve the gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with refreshing cucumber tzatziki!
