Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a nice depth)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (strained for a thicker sauce)

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gyros Assembly:

• 4 pita or flatbreads

• Fresh vegetables: tomato, red onion, lettuce, cucumber, and olives (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

• Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

• If using chicken breasts, consider slicing them into strips before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate better.

2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, preheat it.

• Once hot, cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For chicken breasts, you may need to slice them thinly to ensure even cooking.

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.

4. Assemble the Gyros:

• Warm the pita or flatbread in a pan or microwave for a few seconds until pliable.

• Layer each pita with some of the sliced chicken, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables like tomato, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, and olives.

• Top with a sprinkle of parsley if desired. Roll up the pita to form a wrap, and it’s ready to serve.

Notes:

• Chicken Cut: Boneless skinless chicken thighs give a juicier result, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.

• Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 20 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal.

• Tzatziki: You can add more garlic or lemon juice to the tzatziki to taste. Some variations include adding a bit of olive oil to make it richer.

• Pita: You can use pita bread, flatbread, or even naan for a fun twist. Just make sure it’s soft enough to wrap around the fillings.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Gyros:

   • Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. You can also use falafel for a more protein-packed option.

2. Lamb Gyros:

   • For a traditional twist, you can swap out the chicken for lamb. Marinate lamb shoulder or leg slices with the same marinade ingredients and cook them similarly.

3. Greek-Style Fries:

   • Add crispy fries inside your gyro for a more indulgent, authentic touch. Greek-style fries seasoned with oregano and feta make a great side or filling.

4. Spicy Gyros:

   • Add some chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to your tzatziki or chicken marinade for an extra kick of heat.

5. Wrap It in Lettuce:

   • For a low-carb version, skip the pita and wrap your fillings in large lettuce leaves for a fresh, crisp alternative.

Q&A:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

   • Yes, chicken breasts can be used, though they might be a little drier than thighs. You can also slice the breasts into smaller pieces for a quicker cook time and more flavor absorption from the marinade.

2. Can I make the tzatziki in advance?

   • Absolutely! Tzatziki tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

3. Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

   • Yes! Grilling the chicken will give it a nice smoky flavor. Just be sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

   • Yes! Use gluten-free pita bread or flatbread, or substitute with lettuce wraps to keep it gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and store it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Tzatziki, however, doesn’t freeze well and is best made fresh.

6. How do I make it less oily?

   • If you want to reduce the oil content, use less olive oil in both the marinade and the tzatziki. You can also swap out full-fat yogurt for a lighter version of Greek yogurt.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros—whether for a casual weeknight meal or as a fun weekend dinner!