Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 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
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros:

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

Steps to Make Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high.
2. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
3. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

1. Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they’re soft and pliable.
2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita.
3. Add the sliced chicken, then top with the thinly sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and fresh parsley.
4. Optional: Sprinkle a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice over the assembled gyros for added flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken gyros immediately, with extra tzatziki on the side if desired. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of homemade Greek gyros, perfect for any meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender texture. If using chicken breasts, be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.

Q2: Can I prepare the chicken gyro components in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken, prepare the tzatziki, and chop the vegetables in advance. Simply store each component separately in the fridge, and when ready to serve, cook the chicken, assemble the gyros, and enjoy!

Q3: Can I freeze the chicken after marinating?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as usual.

Q4: How do I prevent the pita from breaking?
Softening the pita before assembly by warming it in a skillet or microwave can make it more flexible, reducing the chances of it breaking when folding.

Q5: Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
To make a vegan gyro, substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh, and use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce. Vegan pita bread and toppings can be used as well for a fully plant-based option.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Gyros

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the gyro. Whenever possible, use high-quality, fresh ingredients.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This gives the lemon juice and garlic time to infuse the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Control Tzatziki Consistency: After grating the cucumber, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture. This keeps the tzatziki sauce thick and prevents it from becoming watery.
• Add a Kick of Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the assembled gyro.
• Experiment with Toppings: Greek gyros can be customized with various toppings. Try adding sliced olives, crumbled feta, or thinly sliced cucumber for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and toppings separately in the refrigerator. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki sauce will stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing the Chicken: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before assembling your gyros.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the chicken chewy.

Conclusion

These Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce bring the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine to your kitchen in a simple, satisfying way. From the marinated, juicy chicken to the refreshing tzatziki and fresh toppings, each component works together to create a delicious, balanced meal. Whether you’re serving these gyros for a family dinner or making them as a quick weeknight meal, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

With the option to customize the toppings, adjust the spice, or even make it vegan, this versatile recipe is perfect for everyone. Enjoy the process of making these gyros at home and savor each flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired bite!