These Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor, thanks to a zesty lemon herb marinade. Tender chicken is grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread!
Gyros make any meal feel like a party! I love piling on all the toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, and a big scoop of tzatziki. Who can resist that? 🌯
Making these gyros is so simple! Just marinate the chicken, grill it up, and enjoy. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend cookout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, but breast works too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use turkey breast! You can also substitute with grilled vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor. If fresh lemons are not available, bottled lemon juice can be a quick alternative. Just adjust the quantity since bottled juice can be stronger.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is key for tzatziki’s creaminess! If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a thick cashew yogurt instead.
Fresh Herbs: I love fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnishing. Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh adds that extra pop! If you can’t find either, try other herbs like cilantro or basil.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret lies in marinating the chicken! It helps infuse flavors and keep it tender. Always let it sit in the marinade for at least an hour, but longer is even better. Overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- Mix your marinade well to combine all the flavors.
- Use a zip-top bag for easy mixing and even coating.
- Don’t forget to let excess marinade drip off before grilling to prevent flare-ups!
When grilling, keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. Aim for a nice char but also check the internal temperature—165°F (75°C) is what you’re looking for. This way, the chicken will be tender and bursting with flavor in your gyros!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Fresh Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh if available
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for a slight smoky flavor)
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (3-4 hours or overnight for best results). Cooking the chicken should take about 15 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes of active time, not including marinating time. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure everything is well combined and ready to infuse lots of flavor into the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight will bring out even more delicious flavors!
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken marinates, let’s whip up the tzatziki. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you’ve drained it well to remove any excess water), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together nicely, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
5. Rest and Slice:
Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This is important as it allows the juices to redistribute. After it rests, slice the chicken into thin strips so it’s ready for your gyros!
6. Assemble the Gyros:
Lightly warm your pita breads to make them pliable. Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on each pita, then top with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded lettuce, and feta cheese if you’re using it.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a final touch, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or dill if desired. Fold or roll the pita around all those yummy fillings and enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros immediately!
This recipe yields about 4-6 gyros, making it perfect for a family meal or gathering. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of Greece at your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker defrosting.
What Can I Use Instead of Pita Bread?
If you don’t have pita bread, you can use flatbreads, tortillas, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option! Just make sure they’re flexible enough to hold all the fillings without tearing.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together beautifully if given time!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will last for about 3 days, while the tzatziki can stay fresh for up to a week. Reheat the chicken gently before serving!
