These Easy Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor thanks to a zesty lemon herb marinade. Juicy chicken, wrapped in warm pita, and topped with refreshing tzatziki make for a perfect meal!
Honestly, who can resist that tangy tzatziki? It’s like the secret superhero of this dish. I love serving these gyros with a side of crunchy veggies for a colorful plate. Yum! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their moisture and tenderness, but chicken breasts work too. If you want a vegetarian option, grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers make a great substitute.
Olive Oil: This is essential for flavor and to help the marinade stick. If you don’t have olive oil, canola or avocado oil can be used as alternatives.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright flavor that’s hard to replace. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, though fresh is always better!
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes a rich tzatziki. You can use low-fat yogurt if preferred, or for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt. It may change the flavor a bit, but it’s still yummy!
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Juicy?
To achieve juicy chicken, marinate it properly! The key is the marinade—it not only flavors the meat but also helps it stay moist during cooking. Here’s how:
- Use enough marinade to coat all the chicken pieces generously.
- Let it marinate for at least an hour, but 2-3 hours is even better for deeper flavor.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat for the best grill marks, about 5-7 minutes each side until cooked through.
Finally, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices!
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade & Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat)
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (more is better for flavor!). After that, cooking takes about 15 minutes, making the total time around 2 hours—mostly waiting as the chicken marinates. It’s easy, fresh, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add in the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, let it marinate for 2-3 hours.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken marinates, take your cucumber and grate it onto a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery sauce. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside in the fridge to chill.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once ready, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
5. Warm the Pita:
Take your pita breads and warm them quickly on the grill or in a skillet for a minute or two until they’re soft and flexible.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
Lay some slices of grilled chicken on each pita. Top it with sliced red onions, juicy tomatoes, a generous spoonful of the tzatziki sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. If you want some extra flavor, add a bit of crumbled feta cheese on top.
7. Serve Up and Enjoy!
Fold the pita over, and your delicious homemade Greek chicken gyros are ready to eat. Serve them immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Gyros
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their flavor and moisture, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 2-3 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will still add some flavor!
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will give the flavors more time to blend, making it even tastier for your gyros!
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki can last about 4-5 days. Just reassemble and enjoy when you’re ready!
