Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Grilling · Storage: Up to 3 days in the fridge
Quick Answer
To recreate a delicious Chicken Gyro at home, marinate chicken thighs with spices, grill to perfection, and serve wrapped in warm pita with fresh toppings and tzatziki.
For a cozy night in New York City, nothing beats the comforting scent of marinated chicken grilling to perfection. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, this homemade Chicken Gyro recipe brings a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for smaller gatherings or simply a warm night with loved ones. The juicy chicken and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in soft pitas evoke the essence of my summer travels, even amidst the urban bustle. If you’ve ever passed by a food truck and longed for a taste of those delectable gyros, this is your chance to recreate that magic at home!
A Flavorful Comfort Food
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly marinated chicken that is juicy and flavorful.
- A refreshing and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce that adds the right balance.
- A quick and easy meal ideal for weeknights or cozy gatherings.
- Flexibility to customize with different proteins and toppings.
- Brings the delightful flavors of summer food trucks right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Chicken Gyros:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Red onions, thinly sliced
How to Make Chicken Gyros (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create delicious Chicken Gyros at home:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight for enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki
In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. The coolness of the yogurt blended with the fresh cucumber and sharp garlic creates a refreshing sauce that cuts through the richness of the chicken. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is caramelized and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Slice and Assemble
Slice the chicken into strips. Take a warm pita and layer it with the sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: To ensure your chicken remains juicy, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest to allow juices to settle.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: A quick marinade won’t yield the same depth of flavor; let it sit for at least an hour, but overnight is best.
- Using Low-Quality Pita: Choose fresh or high-quality pita bread to enjoy a soft and warm wrap that complements the gyros perfectly.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Try substituting chicken with lamb or beef for a different flavor profile.
- Grill additional veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add more texture and color.
- Prepare extra tzatziki sauce; it pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables or as a dip for pita chips.
- Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for enhanced flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor the chicken’s internal temperature accurately.
Variations
- Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a different protein.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita for dietary preferences.
- Add grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Try a different fresh herb in the tzatziki, such as mint.
How to Serve
- Layer sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions in warm pita.
- Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken gyro components separately in airtight containers. Chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while tzatziki sauce will last about a week.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently to maintain juiciness or enjoy it cold in a salad.
- Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered that allowing the chicken to marinate overnight truly enhances the flavors, creating a dish that transports me back to summer evenings spent in vibrant outdoor markets. The fresh tzatziki is not just a sauce; it’s the perfect flavor companion that brings everything together beautifully.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 gyro
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 30g protein · 30g carbs · 25g fat
Delicious Homemade Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight for enhanced flavor.
- In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is caramelized and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken into strips. Take a warm pita and layer it with the sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
FAQs
What can I serve with Chicken Gyros?
Chicken gyros pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or even a light couscous salad. You can also serve them with extra tzatziki sauce for dipping!
Can I make Chicken Gyros ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the chicken and assemble the gyros.
Is it possible to freeze the chicken marinade?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chicken in the marinade in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking for the best results.
