I absolutely love this chicken gyro recipe because it combines all my favorite Mediterranean flavors into one delicious wrap, and it’s so easy to make at home! The perfectly spiced chicken, tangy tzatziki, and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita create an explosion of taste that speaks to my soul every time I take a bite.
My Greek Food Chicken Gyros is a simple but flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, garlic, and an almost comically aromatic blend of spices that calls for at least four (oregano, cumin, lemon, and paprika) and probably several more (any variety of the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern spices that your pantry boasts). It’s served with tzatziki, red onion, tomato, cucumber, and warm pita, garnished with parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
High in protein and infused with natural juices for taste.
Olive Oil:
Nutritious fatty acids that are packed with antioxidants; contributes to the dish’s depth and deliciousness.
Garlic:
It offers a powerful boost to the immune system; it makes food taste delicious.
Oregano:
Scented greenery with antioxidants; providing the flavor of the Mediterranean.
Lemon Juice:
Imparts a citrusy flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Pita Bread:
The carbohydrates supply the gyros’ structural integrity.
Tzatziki Sauce:
Tangy and smooth, with cucumber and yogurt advantages.
Red Onion:
Gives a crunchy texture; adds a slight sharpness.
Tomato:
Juicy and fresh; offers a contrast of sweet and tart.
Cucumber:
Restorative and enlivens; equalizes tastes.
Ingredient Quantities
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a big bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly so that you will have a unified marinade.
2. Add the marinade to the sliced chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well covered. Marinate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grilled or skillet-cooked marinated chicken strips should take about 5 to 7 minutes on each side—give or take a minute or so—for an internal temperature of 165°F. And if you crave grill marks, make sure to leave the chicken undisturbed for the first few minutes of cooking.
4. As the chicken cooks, get the toppings ready by slicing the red onion, chopping the tomato, and slicing the cucumber.
5. Heat the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warm, pliable, and lightly toasted.
6. Once the cooked chicken has been taken off the grill, allow it to rest for a few minutes.
7. To put together the gyros, take a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and spread it on each pita or flatbread.
8. Place some of the cooked chicken strips on top of the layer of tzatziki.
9. Layer the chicken with red onion, fresh tomato, cucumber, and parsley.
10. Serve the fillings in the pita and roll it or fold it around the fillings to eat. And then enjoy your homemade chicken gyros!
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Garlic press or knife
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Grill or skillet
7. Tongs
8. Meat thermometer
9. Serving spoon
10. Plate or platter for serving
FAQ
- Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?Yes, you can substitute chicken breast; however, thighs are recommended for juicier, more flavorful gyros.
- Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?For optimal results, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour; it can be marinated in the refrigerator for as long as 24 hours.
- Q: Can I cook the chicken on a grill?Sure thing! Cooking the chicken on the grill will give the gyros a smoky, delicious flavor.
- Q: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?You can switch out the chicken for grilled vegetables or marinated tofu for a vegetarian variant.
- Q: How do I make homemade tzatziki sauce?Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper are combined to make a quick homemade tzatziki.
- Q: Can this dish be prepared in advance?It is possible to prepare the components in advance and put together the gyros just prior to serving.
- Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover gyros?A: Warm the pita bread in the oven or a pan for optimal results, and reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
Substitutions and Variations
Avocado oil or sunflower oil can be used as substitutes for olive oil.
You may use boneless, skinless chicken breasts rather than chicken thighs.
If lemon juice is unavailable, consider using lime juice or apple cider vinegar instead.
Tortillas or naan can replace pita or flatbreads.
Fresh cilantro or dill can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley if a different flavor is desired.
Pro Tips
1. Marinating Time: For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marination will enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat.
2. Grill Tips: To achieve perfectly grilled chicken with beautiful grill marks, make sure your grill is well preheated and that you leave the chicken undisturbed for the first few minutes of cooking on each side.
3. Tzatziki Upgrade: Enhance your tzatziki sauce by adding a splash of extra lemon juice or a pinch of dill for a refreshing boost that complements the spices in the chicken.
4. Vegetable Prep: To keep your vegetables fresh and crisp, slice them right before serving. You can also season them with a bit of salt and a splash of olive oil for added flavor.
5. Pita Perfection: If you prefer a softer pita, wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them in a low oven (around 300°F) instead of on the grill, which can keep them more tender and pliable.
Gyros De Pollo Comida Griega Recipe
My favorite Gyros De Pollo Comida Griega Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Garlic press or knife
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Grill or skillet
7. Tongs
8. Meat thermometer
9. Serving spoon
10. Plate or platter for serving
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a big bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly so that you will have a unified marinade.
2. Add the marinade to the sliced chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well covered. Marinate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grilled or skillet-cooked marinated chicken strips should take about 5 to 7 minutes on each side—give or take a minute or so—for an internal temperature of 165°F. And if you crave grill marks, make sure to leave the chicken undisturbed for the first few minutes of cooking.
4. As the chicken cooks, get the toppings ready by slicing the red onion, chopping the tomato, and slicing the cucumber.
5. Heat the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warm, pliable, and lightly toasted.
6. Once the cooked chicken has been taken off the grill, allow it to rest for a few minutes.
7. To put together the gyros, take a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and spread it on each pita or flatbread.
8. Place some of the cooked chicken strips on top of the layer of tzatziki.
9. Layer the chicken with red onion, fresh tomato, cucumber, and parsley.
10. Serve the fillings in the pita and roll it or fold it around the fillings to eat. And then enjoy your homemade chicken gyros!
