![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 garlic cloves, minced - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 pita breads - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You need these fresh ingredients to make classic chicken gyros. The chicken thighs give a juicy base. Olive oil adds richness while oregano brings a lovely herb flavor. Garlic gives a punch, and lemon juice brightens everything up. The cumin adds a warm note that ties the dish together. For the toppings, Greek yogurt serves as a creamy sauce. Cucumbers keep it cool and crunchy. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, and red onion gives a nice bite. Fresh parsley not only looks good but adds a fresh taste. Each serving of this meal is about 400 calories. It contains approximately: - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fats: 15g This information helps you understand what you eat. Chicken offers good protein, while pita gives you carbs for energy. - Grill or skillet - Mixing bowl - Knife & cutting board Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A grill adds a smoky flavor, while a skillet works well if you don’t have a grill. A mixing bowl helps you blend the marinade evenly, and a knife and cutting board make prep smooth. For the full recipe, make sure to check out the specific cooking steps. Enjoy your gyros night! Start by making a tasty marinade. In a bowl, mix together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 minced garlic cloves - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Once mixed, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, marinate overnight. Before cooking, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Cook each thigh for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken into strips after it rests. While the chicken rests, make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 diced cucumber - A pinch of salt - A squeeze of lemon Mix well. Next, warm the 4 pita breads. You can do this on the grill or in a skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This makes them soft and pliable. Now it’s time to put it all together. Take a pita and place the sliced chicken in the center. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Then, top with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Fold the pita over the filling and enjoy your delicious gyros. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best grilled chicken, keep a few key things in mind. First, heat your grill to medium-high. This helps achieve nice grill marks and locks in moisture. Aim for about 400°F. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Tzatziki is a key part of gyros. You can add fresh herbs like dill or mint for extra flavor. These herbs brighten up the sauce and add depth. If you want a creamier texture, try using full-fat yogurt. Greek yogurt is great, but you can also use plain yogurt. Each type brings a different touch to your tzatziki. You can even mix in some garlic for a bolder taste. Just remember to balance the flavors for the best result. When serving your chicken gyros, consider pairing them with sides. Greek salad is a classic. Its freshness complements the spices in the gyros. Crispy fries also work well, adding crunch to your meal. For garnishing, fresh parsley or feta cheese adds a nice touch. You can sprinkle these on top for color and taste. Feel free to experiment with different sides and toppings to find your perfect combination. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for lamb or beef. Each meat brings its own taste. Lamb offers a rich flavor that pairs well with the spices. Beef gives a hearty bite, making it filling. For a vegetarian option, try grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work great. They absorb flavors well and add a nice texture. You don't have to stick with pita bread. Flatbreads also make a tasty base. If you're gluten-free, look for gluten-free pita. You can also make homemade pita bread. It’s simple and fun! Just mix flour, water, yeast, and salt. Cook them on a hot skillet for a fresh taste. Want to spice things up? Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices give a warm kick to your gyros. You can also play with sauces. Try sriracha for heat or a garlic sauce for creaminess. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Classic Chicken Gyros section. To keep your chicken gyros fresh, refrigerate any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. It's best to eat them within this time frame for the best taste. If you want to save some gyros for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also freeze the tzatziki sauce in a separate container. Frozen chicken can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the chicken in a skillet until it's hot throughout. For the tzatziki, just stir it well before serving. To make busy nights easier, prep your chicken and tzatziki in advance. Marinate the chicken a day before cooking. This adds more flavor and saves time. You can also make the tzatziki a day ahead, too. For quick meals, serve the chicken with pita and fresh veggies. You can even pack them for lunch! Check out the [Full Recipe] for more ideas on how to enjoy your gyros. To make Classic Chicken Gyros, follow these simple steps: 1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. This gives the chicken great flavor. 2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade. Cover and chill for at least one hour. For more flavor, marinate overnight. 3. Cook the Chicken: Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. 4. Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for five minutes. Then, slice it into strips. 5. Make Tzatziki Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. 6. Warm the Pita: Heat the pita bread for 1-2 minutes on each side. 7. Assemble the Gyros: Place sliced chicken in the pita. Add tzatziki, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. 8. Serve and Enjoy: Fold the pita and serve right away. Yes, you can use various meats for gyros. Here are some options: - Lamb: A classic choice, it adds rich flavor. - Beef: Use thinly sliced beef for a hearty version. - Pork: This works well with the same marinade. - Vegetarian: Try grilled vegetables or falafel for a meatless option. Each option can give a unique twist to your gyros! Pair your Chicken Gyros with these tasty sides: - Greek Salad: Fresh veggies and feta cheese complement the gyros. - Fries: Crispy fries add a satisfying crunch. - Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice dish pairs well. - Chips and Dip: Serve with hummus or a yogurt dip for fun. These sides enhance your meal and bring balance to the flavors. Making tzatziki sauce is simple! Here’s what you need: - Ingredients: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, diced - Salt to taste - Juice of half a lemon Steps: 1. Combine: Mix Greek yogurt and diced cucumber in a bowl. 2. Season: Add salt and lemon juice. 3. Chill: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This sauce is cool and creamy, perfect for gyros! Chicken Gyros has Greek roots. The word "gyros" means "turn" in Greek. It refers to how meat cooks on a vertical spit. Traditionally, it uses pork or lamb. However, chicken became popular for its leaner taste. Gyros has cultural significance, often served at festivals or family gatherings. It represents the heart of Greek street food, loved by many around the world. You now have the tools to make delicious Chicken Gyros at home. Start with quality ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh veggies. Follow the simple steps for marinating, cooking, and assembling your gyros. Remember, you can customize them with different proteins and toppings. Whether you're meal prepping or serving at a gathering, these gyros please everyone. Enjoy the flavors and the fun of cooking this classic dish!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b58bc1f1-f5a8-4df6-a1f0-f6953f96742c-250x250.webp)
Classic Chicken Gyros
Savor the taste of summer with these Classic Chicken Gyros! This easy recipe features marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, served in warm pita with creamy tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these gyros are sure to impress. Check out the full recipe to discover how to create this delightful dish in no time! Click through for mouthwatering details.