Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros A Flavorful Journey to Greece

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros: A Flavorful Journey to Greece

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Greek Chicken Gyros is a savory and satisfying dish that transports your taste buds straight to Greece. The tender, marinated chicken is cooked to perfection, wrapped in a warm pita, and topped with a creamy tzatziki sauce. This recipe blends fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, making it a deliciously aromatic and refreshing meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a Mediterranean-themed gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

  • 4 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh tomato slices
  • Fresh lettuce or arugula leaves

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.
  • Stir until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place the tzatziki sauce in the fridge to chill while you cook the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop in a skillet.
  • Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

4. Assemble the Gyros:

  • Warm the pita breads in a pan or microwave until soft and pliable.
  • Place a few slices of chicken on each pita, then top with fresh tomato slices, red onion, and lettuce or arugula.
  • Generously drizzle with the chilled tzatziki sauce for that creamy, tangy finish.

5. Serve:

  • Serve the gyros immediately, with extra tzatziki on the side if desired. Enjoy with a side of crispy fries or a Greek salad for the full Mediterranean experience!