Savor the flavors of homemade savory chicken gyros with this delicious recipe! Perfectly marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served in whole wheat pita with fresh veggies and a tangy tzatziki sauce. In just 50 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with these delightful gyros!
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
4 whole wheat pita breads
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 medium cucumber, diced into small cubes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat pita breads - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh parsley for garnish Each serving has about 400 calories. It contains 30g of protein, 15g of fat, and 40g of carbs. This makes chicken gyros a tasty and balanced meal! The main ingredients create a rich flavor. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. Olive oil adds depth, while garlic gives a nice kick. Oregano and paprika bring warmth and earthiness. Cumin rounds out the spices with a hint of smokiness. For toppings, Greek yogurt adds creaminess. Lemon juice brightens the flavor, which balances the spices well. The cucumber and tomatoes give a refreshing crunch, while red onion adds a little bite. Fresh parsley makes the dish look pretty and adds flavor. You can find the full recipe later in this guide. Enjoy cooking your Easy Chicken Gyros! To start, prepare the marinade. In a bowl, mix together: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients well. This creates a rich, flavorful blend. Now, add 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge. I suggest at least 30 minutes, but two hours brings even better flavor. Next, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips. For a refreshing tzatziki, whisk together: - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - A pinch of salt Mix until smooth. This sauce adds a tangy kick to your gyros. Warm 4 whole wheat pita breads on the grill for about a minute. This makes them soft and easy to roll. To build your gyros, lay sliced chicken on each pita. Add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Top it off with your tzatziki sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color. Now, carefully roll the pita around the fillings. Your easy chicken gyros are ready to enjoy! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Marinating chicken is key for great flavor. I suggest marinating the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, let them sit for 2 hours. This time allows the spices and oil to soak into the meat. Always cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This keeps the chicken safe and flavorful. To get those perfect grill marks, heat your grill to medium-high before adding the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it for the first few minutes. This helps create those nice lines. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. To serve your gyros beautifully, use a wooden platter. Line it with parchment paper for a nice touch. You can add lemon wedges and extra parsley for color. A side of crisp salad pairs well with your gyros. It adds freshness and crunch, balancing the rich flavors. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for delicious accompaniments! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other meats or plant options. Beef works well, giving a heartier bite. Use lamb for a richer flavor profile. For a plant-based option, try marinated tofu. Slice it thin and grill until golden. Each of these proteins brings a unique taste to your gyros. For a vegetarian twist, use grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant shine when grilled. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Layer these veggies into the pita instead of meat. Add your tzatziki and enjoy a fresh, colorful meal. You can jazz up tzatziki with herbs. Fresh dill or mint adds a lovely touch. For spice, mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You can also try tahini or hummus for a creamy base. Each sauce brings its own flair to the gyros, making them even more exciting. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your chicken gyros, store leftovers in the fridge. Place any remaining gyros in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat them again, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the chicken juicy. You can also wrap the gyros in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just place it in a freezer bag and squeeze out the air. This way, it will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also freeze assembled gyros. Wrap each gyro in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for around two months. To eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat. The shelf life of your ingredients varies. Fresh chicken should be used within 1-2 days if not cooked. Once cooked, it lasts in the fridge for three days. Toppings like cucumber and tomatoes stay fresh for about four days. If you have leftover tzatziki, it should be eaten within five days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. Keeping track of these times helps ensure your meals stay safe and tasty. To save time on this recipe, prep is key. Start by marinating the chicken the night before. This allows the flavors to soak in and saves time on the day you cook. You can also chop all your veggies in advance. Use a grill pan for faster cooking and easy cleanup. For a quick tzatziki, mix the yogurt and lemon juice while the chicken cooks. These simple steps will help you serve gyros in no time! Yes, using store-bought tzatziki sauce is a great option. It saves time and provides a consistent taste. Many brands offer tasty sauces that can match homemade. However, making your own gives a fresh flavor. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste. If you want a quick meal, store-bought is the way to go. If you have time, I suggest trying the homemade version for a special touch. Several side dishes go well with chicken gyros. Here are a few tasty options: - Greek salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta add a nice crunch. - Hummus: This creamy dip is perfect for spreading on pita or veggies. - Roasted vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can complement the gyros. - Fries: Crispy fries or roasted potatoes add comfort to your meal. These sides not only taste great but also balance the meal beautifully. Easy Chicken Gyros are delicious and simple to make. We covered key ingredients, marinating, grilling, and assembling your meal. Plus, I shared helpful tips for cooking and serving. In the end, this dish is versatile. You can try different proteins and toppings. Enjoying homemade gyros is fun, tasty, and satisfying. You now have all you need to make the perfect gyros at home. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/07200128-eec7-4440-a5d5-8138915501a4-250x250.webp)