These Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor, thanks to a zesty lemon herb marinade that makes the chicken juicy and tasty. Wrap it all up in warm pita for a cozy meal!
Serve these gyros with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad—your taste buds will be doing a happy dance! I love how quick they come together, perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I usually go for chicken thighs because they’re juicy and flavorful. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, they work too, but they might need a little extra marinade time to stay moist.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is great for marinades, but if you don’t have it, regular olive oil will do just fine. You can also use avocado oil for a different flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice really brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemons, lemon juice from a bottle can be a quick substitute, but the taste won’t be as fresh.
Herbs: Dried herbs give wonderful flavor! If you have fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary, feel free to use about three times the amount; the freshness is amazing!
Tzatziki Ingredients: Greek yogurt is best for tzatziki, but if you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt. For the cucumber, a regular one will work if you don’t have a specific variety.
How Do I Grill the Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling is a key step for yummy gyros. The secret is to keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This helps get a nice sear on your chicken.
- Let the chicken marinate as long as possible for maximum flavor absorption.
- Once on the grill, don’t move the chicken too much. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s nicely charred.
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps juices from running out!
Master these tips, and you’ll have delicious, tender chicken for your gyros every time!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembling:
- 4-6 pita breads, warmed
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (3-4 hours is ideal for the best flavor). Cooking will take about 15 minutes. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a large bowl. This zesty mix will elevate the flavor of the chicken beautifully.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour—ideally 3 to 4 hours for maximum flavor!
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess liquid squeezed out), dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve it with the gyros.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Heat up your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Once warmed, take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen!
5. Slice and Warm the Pita:
After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips for easy assembly. While the chicken rests, warm your pita breads on the grill or in a skillet until soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
To put your gyros together, take a warm pita and fill it generously with sliced chicken, followed by red onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Don’t forget to add a hearty dollop of your tzatziki sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita around the delicious fillings and enjoy these amazing Greek Chicken Gyros while they’re fresh and warm. Each bite is packed with flavor from the bright marinade and creamy tzatziki sauce—simply irresistible!
Gather your loved ones, and make it a great meal together. Enjoy!
FAQ About Greek Chicken Gyros with Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute. Just remember that they might dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook them. Marinating for the same amount of time will help keep them flavorful and moist!
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 3 to 4 hours is ideal. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes will still deliver a tasty meal!
Can I Prep the Tzatziki Sauce in Advance?
Yes! The tzatziki sauce actually tastes better after it has had some time to sit. You can prepare it a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving!
What if I Don’t Have Pita Bread?
No worries! If you don’t have pita bread, you can use any type of flatbread, tortillas, or even serve the chicken and toppings over rice or in a salad for a delicious variation!