These Greek Chicken Gyros are full of flavor with a bright lemon herb marinade and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun lunch wrap!
You can wrap them up in pita and add your favorite toppings. I love to pile on fresh veggies. Who can resist a tasty gyro after a long day? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my pick for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. For a different flavor, try using lamb or even shrimp!
Olive Oil: A great choice for flavor, but avocado oil can be a healthy substitute. Both help with marinating the chicken.
Greek Yogurt: This gives the tzatziki its creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt as a substitute. It’s not as thick but still adds good flavor.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber is best for tzatziki, but if they’re not available, grated zucchini can work in a pinch. Always squeeze out excess water!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in the Marinade?
The key to a flavorful marinade is letting the chicken soak up those flavors! Make sure to marinate for at least an hour, but ideally 2-4 hours. Here’s how:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and cover it.
- Place it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to blend and penetrate the chicken during this time.
Don’t rush this step—good things take time!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Tzatziki?
To make the tzatziki perfect, the method really matters! Here are tips to get it creamy and tasty:
- After grating the cucumber, use a towel to squeeze out as much water as you can. This helps prevent a watery sauce.
- Combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Mix well and taste, adding salt and pepper as needed. Chill it until serving!
This sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
- Fresh parsley or extra dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. You need approximately 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and tzatziki, followed by at least 1 hour to let the chicken marinate. Cooking the chicken and assembling the gyros will take about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to let the tzatziki chill while the chicken marinates!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined. Add the sliced chicken, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but 2-4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, grate the cucumber and squeeze out any extra moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve; this will help the flavors blend beautifully.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—around 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Warm the Pitas:
If desired, warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until they are soft and pliable. This step makes them easier to fold and enjoy.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Take a warm pita and lay it flat. Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on top. Add a few slices of cooked chicken, then pile on the sliced red onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or extra dill.
6. Serve:
Fold or roll the pita around the delicious fillings. Serve your gyros immediately, with any extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros loaded with fresh flavors!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your Greek Chicken Gyros with that refreshing lemon herb taste and creamy tzatziki sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to completely thaw the frozen chicken before marinating. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the quick method of submerging it in cold water in a sealed bag. Once thawed, pat it dry before marinating for the best flavor absorption.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tzatziki?
Leftover tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
Can I Make the Marinade and Tzatziki Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and let the chicken marinate overnight. As for the tzatziki, making it a few hours ahead will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep both covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook and serve!
What Other Toppings Can I Add to My Gyros?
Feel free to get creative! Some great additions include sliced olives, feta cheese, diced bell peppers, or roasted red peppers. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. Customize them according to your preferences!
