These Greek Chicken Gyros are a tasty treat with juicy marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita. The fresh lemon herb marinade gives it a bright and zesty flavor that’s hard to resist!
Who can say no to a warm gyro? I love making them for dinner and adding a bunch of fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki. It feels like a mini vacation right at my dinner table! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts are great too! If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try marinated grilled tempeh or portobello mushrooms instead.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is best for the marinade, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or even melted coconut oil if you’re in a pinch.
Fresh Lemon: The juice and zest of fresh lemons really brighten the flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, a splash of bottled lemon juice can work, though the taste may not be as vibrant.
Herbs: Dried oregano is essential for that Greek flavor. If you can’t find Greek oregano, regular oregano works just fine. For a fresh twist, try adding fresh parsley or mint as well!
How Do I Get My Chicken Grill Marks and Flavor Just Right?
Grilling can intimidate a lot of home cooks, but with a few tips you can get perfectly grilled chicken every time! Here’s how:
- Let the grill get hot! Preheat to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps in achieving those nice grill marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave some space between the pieces of chicken so they cook evenly and don’t steam.
- Flip only once if possible. Let one side develop those beautiful char marks and cook through before flipping to the other side.
- Rest after cooking! Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.
With these simple tips, your gyros will have that delicious grilled flavor and perfect texture!
Greek Chicken Gyros With Fresh Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Greek oregano)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
For Serving:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess liquid drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or longer for best flavor). Cooking the chicken will take about 10-15 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours from start to finish including marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and well-blended. This is the flavor magic that will infuse the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated with the yummy mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, marinate it for 4 hours or overnight!
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This creamy sauce is going to be a perfect match for the gyros!
4. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the leftover marinade), and place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has some lovely charred markings. Use a meat thermometer if needed; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender and juicy. After resting, slice the chicken thinly.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
Now for the fun part! On a warmed pita or flatbread, pile on the sliced chicken. Top it generously with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Don’t forget a big dollop of that delicious tzatziki sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita around the fillings and give it a gentle squeeze. Serve immediately, and for an extra touch, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice right before eating. Enjoy your flavorful and refreshing Greek Chicken Gyros with that bright lemon herb marinade!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great choice for gyros. You can also mix and match with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut.
How Do I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, and freshen up your tzatziki sauce with a bit of lemon juice if needed.
Can I Prepare the Marinade and Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! Both the marinade and tzatziki sauce can be prepared in advance. You can marinate the chicken the night before, and the tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to cook and serve.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled tempeh or thick slices of marinated portobello mushrooms. Use the same marinade to infuse those delicious flavors!
