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Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki: A Mediterranean Delight 🌞

  • Author: bentahar

Description

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are a classic Mediterranean dish combining juicy, marinated chicken with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and warm pita. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal and brings authentic Greek flavors right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated (excess moisture squeezed out)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gyros Assembly

  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Garnish: Crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of sumac

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
    • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. (For optimal results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.)
  • Cook the Chicken:
    • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
    • Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  • Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
    • In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
  • Assemble the Gyros:
    • Warm the pita breads either in a skillet, grill, or microwave for a few seconds.
    • Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita.
    • Top with sliced chicken, red onion, chopped tomato, and fresh parsley.
    • Roll up the pita bread to enclose the filling. If desired, wrap each gyro with parchment paper or foil to make it easier to hold.
  • Serve:
    • Serve the gyros immediately, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Marinating Time: For the most flavorful and tender chicken, marinate it for a few hours or overnight. The lemon juice in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken while enhancing its taste.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumber before adding it to the yogurt. This helps prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery.
  • Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more easily than thighs.
  • Serving Suggestions: These gyros are delicious served with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a light cucumber and tomato salad.
  • Pita Tips: If you like a crispier texture, briefly toast the pita bread on the grill or in a hot skillet before assembling the gyros.
  • Customization: Feel free to add other toppings like feta cheese, kalamata olives, or shredded lettuce for extra flavor and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: The tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This can actually enhance the flavor as the ingredients have more time to blend.
  • Storage: Leftover chicken and tzatziki can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before assembling the gyros.

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Find it online: https://ymmy.teatimewithnaomi.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-cucumber-tzatziki-a-mediterranean-delight/