Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and popular dish that typically includes marinated chicken, tzatziki sauce, and various vegetables wrapped in pita bread. Here’s a basic recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Serving:
  • Pita bread or flatbreads
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced red onions
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Lettuce or salad greens

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   • Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
   • In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the marinated chicken in batches until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Assemble the Gyros:
   • Warm the pita bread or flatbreads.
   • Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each bread.
   • Layer with cooked chicken, sliced tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and lettuce or salad greens.
5. Serve:
   • Roll up the pita bread around the filling, enclosing it like a wrap.
   • Serve immediately while warm, optionally with extra tzatziki sauce on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros! They’re perfect for a satisfying meal, whether for lunch or dinner.