Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

To begin, prepare the chicken marinade. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for the best flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

2. Prepare the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to make the tzatziki sauce. Start by grating or finely chopping the cucumber. To remove excess water from the cucumber, place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out the liquid. This step is important to ensure your tzatziki isn’t too watery.

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.

Cover the tzatziki and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the gyros. The sauce can be made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Cook the Chicken

After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken depending on your preference:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
• Pan-searing: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

4. Assemble the Greek Chicken Gyros

To assemble your gyros, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven for a minute or two, until soft and pliable. Lay a warm pita flat on a plate, and add a generous portion of the sliced chicken in the center.

Top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a handful of shredded lettuce. Drizzle the creamy cucumber tzatziki generously over the top. If desired, you can also add some crumbled feta cheese or a few Kalamata olives for extra flavor and authenticity.

Fold the pita over the fillings to form a wrap, and serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are ready to serve! These gyros are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend family meal, or even a gathering with friends. The combination of warm, flavorful chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki makes for a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.

Why This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is So Great

1. Authentic Flavors: The marinated chicken is full of Greek-inspired flavors like oregano, garlic, and lemon, while the tzatziki sauce is creamy and refreshing with a delightful tang from the yogurt and cucumber.
2. Healthy and Light: The chicken is lean, the tzatziki is yogurt-based, and the toppings are all fresh vegetables, making this a balanced and nutritious meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
3. Customizable: Whether you want to make it spicier with some chili flakes, add more veggies like cucumbers or feta, or even swap the chicken for lamb or pork, this recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste.
4. Great for Meal Prep: The chicken and tzatziki can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making this an ideal recipe for meal prepping or a quick lunch the next day.
5. Easy to Make: This dish is simple to prepare with only a few steps involved, yet it tastes fresh, flavorful, and impressive.

Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros

1. Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki. It’s creamier and richer, making your sauce more indulgent.
2. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
3. Add More Flavor: Feel free to add extra toppings like feta cheese, olives, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the gyros even more.
4. Double the Tzatziki: If you’re a fan of tzatziki (and who isn’t?), double the recipe and use it as a dip for pita chips, veggies, or even as a dressing for salads.
5. Wrap it Right: To prevent the fillings from falling out, try to fold the pita in a way that makes it easy to eat, and serve with extra napkins!

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are a delicious, fresh, and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor. The marinated chicken, the creamy tzatziki sauce, and the fresh toppings create a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This dish is easy to make, perfect for customizing, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

Try this recipe the next time you want to bring a taste of Greece to your table—you won’t be disappointed!