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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection, complemented by a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, pickled onions, and crumbled feta, it offers a flavorful and authentic Greek street food experience perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried Mediterranean oregano
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 baby cucumbers, grated on a box grater
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • 6 pitas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup pickled onions
  • 2 baby cucumbers, diced
  • 1 beefsteak tomato, diced
  • 2 oz feta, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper until smooth in a bowl. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. For a grill pan, drizzle a small amount of olive oil before heating.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred.
  4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, chopped fresh dill, ground cumin, lemon zest, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
  5. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads. Divide the grilled chicken evenly among the pitas, then top with shredded lettuce, pickled onions, diced cucumber, diced tomato, crumbled feta, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
  • Grated cucumber for tzatziki should be drained well to avoid watery sauce.
  • Pickled onions can be bought or easily made by soaking sliced onions in vinegar and sugar.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill for the best authentic taste.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the pita and fillings.