Description
Greek street fare comes alive with these mouthwatering chicken gyros, packed with Mediterranean flavors and zesty tzatziki sauce. Savory marinated chicken, wrapped in warm pita bread, promises a quick culinary escape you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base Ingredients:
- 2 lb (907 g) chicken thighs, fat removed
- 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) whole fat Greek yogurt
Marinade and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Pepper to taste
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, peeled, grated and squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped or minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita or lavash bread wraps
- 2 tomatoes, cubed
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 head lettuce, sliced
- 6 oz (170 g) feta cheese
Instructions
- Craft a robust marinade by blending aromatic herbs, zesty lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a sealed container, ensuring chicken pieces are thoroughly coated and left to absorb flavors for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to high temperature, creating distinct char marks on marinated chicken pieces, cooking each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches safe cooking point and exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
- Prepare tzatziki sauce by meticulously deseeding cucumber, grating it finely, and extracting excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery consistency.
- Combine grated cucumber with tangy yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy, herbaceous sauce with balanced flavors.
- Chill tzatziki sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
- Gently warm flatbread or pita wraps to enhance pliability and bring out subtle bread aromatics.
- Assemble gyros by spreading a generous layer of tzatziki sauce across the warm bread, layering tender sliced chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Carefully fold or roll the gyro, ensuring ingredients are securely tucked inside, creating a compact and delectable handheld meal.
Notes
- Quick Marination Tip: Let chicken soak in flavorful herbs and spices for 4-8 hours to ensure maximum taste absorption and tender meat.
- Grilling Technique: Cook chicken over high heat until perfectly charred and cooked through, creating delicious caramelized edges.
- Tzatziki Prep Hack: Remove cucumber moisture thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and maintain a thick, creamy consistency.
- Wrap Assembly Trick: Layer ingredients strategically for balanced flavors and prevent soggy bread.
- Cheese Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh feta for a tangy, salty finish that elevates the entire gyro experience.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy immediately while chicken remains warm and bread stays soft for optimal texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg