Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lb (1 kg) chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless

Marinade:

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced (approx. 3 tsp)
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Tzatziki:

• 2 cucumbers (to yield about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
• 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more for a richer flavor)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Salad:

• Tomatoes, deseeded and diced
• 3 cucumbers, diced
• 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Preparation

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and massage to mix well.
2. Add the chicken thigh fillets to the bag, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade.
3. Seal the bag and marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally 3 hours, or up to 12 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours.

Prepare the Tzatziki:

1. Halve the cucumbers lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds.
2. Coarsely grate the cucumbers and wrap them in paper towels or a tea towel to squeeze out excess liquid.
3. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with the remaining tzatziki ingredients and mix well.
4. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Salad:

1. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley leaves (if using).
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill and brush with oil, or heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces).
3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Notes:

• The tzatziki recipe yields a generous amount, ensuring you have plenty to serve with your gyros.
• Marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking. Thaw thoroughly and mix well before cooking as per the recipe.
• Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition per serving, assuming the recipe serves 4 and is served with pita bread.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Greek Chicken Gyros!