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    Chicken Gyros

    August 5, 2024

    You’ll adore this easy chicken gyros recipe, which you can dress up for company with a whole Greek spread with tzatziki, olives, hummus and pita, or serve in a wrap for a quick, easy dinner.

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    chicken gyros on a plate topped with tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, greek olives, feta, and romaine
    Photography by Gayle McLeod

    Chicken thighs become magical in this yummy Greek chicken gyros recipe thanks to a yogurt-based gyros marinade that’s loaded with Greek herbs. Oregano (of course) gets boosted by two kinds of garlic, thyme, cumin and marjoram. A squeeze of lemon juice adds the acid that every marinade needs and are you drooling yet? Best of all, you can let the chicken marinate overnight, so chicken gyros are a great meal for company. For more Greek-inspired recipes, check out our Greek Salad, or yummy Greek Shrimp.

    chicken, cucumbers, pita, garlic, olive oil, spices, tomatoes and red onions in prep bowls to make chicken gyros

    Ingredients For Greek Chicken Gyros

    For the chicken gyros marinade:

    • Garlic. We use both fresh garlic and granulated to really ensure that this chicken gyro marinade is loaded with flavor.

    • Vinegar. We like the slight sweetness of unfiltered cider vinegar.

    • Lemon juice. Fresh, please!

    • Yogurt. Greek yogurt, of course. And full-fat is our preference, because we love how it clings to the chicken as it marinades.

    • Olive oil. We’re calling for extra virgin, but in this case it’s OK if all you have handy is regular olive oil because it’s just a few tablespoons, and it’s only going into the marinade.

    • Herbs! Oregano, cumin, thyme, marjoram.

    • Chicken thighs. Yes, it’s dark meat. Yes, we love it! Still chicken, and still healthier than traditional Gyro Meat!

    For serving as a chicken gyro wrap:

    • Pita or flatbread.

    • Tzatziki. This can be homemade (our Tzatziki recipe is pretty easy!) or store-bought is OK.

    • Diced tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are nice because they’re not overly juicy, which is a good thing if you’re using them as a gyro topping because they won’t make the bread soggy.

    • Cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are best because you don’t need to peel or seed them.

    • Red onion. Super thinly sliced, so that you have just a hint of that onion-y sharpness.

    • Olives. Kalamata olives are the most traditional choice, and our favorite.

    • Feta cheese. Salty and creamy, feta is a must!

    • Romaine lettuce. A slightly crunchy, cool hit is nice in a gyro.

    Chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, and spices in a zip top bag for Chicken Gyros
    raw chicken thighs marinating in a Greek yogurt marinade in a zip top bag.
    Chicken gyro meat grilling on an indoor grill.
    Chicken gyro meat being slice on a cutting board

    How To Make Chicken Gyros

    1. Marinate the chicken. You can leave it in the marinade (in the fridge) for up to 12 hours.

    2. Grill the marinated chicken thighs. They’re done when they reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

    3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay nice and juicy.

    4. Slice!

    5. Serve! To make a chicken gyro wrap, load the pita or flatbread with the grilled chicken, and top with Tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, feta, and/or romaine.

    two chicken gyros in pita on a plate surrounded by lettuce, tomatoes, onions and feta
    two chicken gyros in pita on a plate surrounded

    What To Serve With Chicken Gyros + More Topping Ideas

    • A Greek Salad would be the ideal side dish if you want to keep things healthy, or….
    • Greek Fries (Patates Tiganites) would also be a totally classic, kabob-shop side dish.
    • For a lower-carb version of these chicken gyros, serve the chicken as a Gyro Bowl!
    • If you want even more than Tzatziki on your chicken gyros, serve them with even more Mediterranean toppings, like homemade (or store-bought) Hummus and Tahini Sauce.
    three chicken gyros wrapped in pita and parchment paper
    chicken gyros wrapped in pita and parchment paper

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    Chicken Gyros

    August 5, 2024

    • Serves:  6
    • Prep Time:  30 min
    • Cook Time:  20 min
    • Calories:  367
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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    Ingredients

    • 6 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tablespoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
    • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
    • ½ tablespoon ground marjoram (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
    • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • 6 pitas or flat breads, warmed

    For serving (optional)

    • 1 cup Tzatziki
    • 2 tomatoes, diced (we like Roma)
    • 3 Persian cucumbers, diced
    • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
    • ½ cup mixed Greek olives, pitted and sliced
    • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 2 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce

    Method

    1. In a large plastic zip-top bag, combine the garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, oregano, cumin, granulated garlic, thyme, marjoram (if using), pepper, and salt. Add the chicken and massage until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or refrigerated for up to 12 hours.

      Chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, and spices in a zip top bag for Chicken Gyros

    2. Preheat the grill on medium-low. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook until the chicken begins to lightly char, about 4-6 minutes per side. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes, then thinly slice.

      Chicken gyro meat being slice on a cutting board

    3. To serve, top the pitas with the chicken. Garnish your choice of the tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, feta, and/or romaine.

      two chicken gyros in pita on a plate surrounded

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 367
    • Protein 36 g
    • Carbohydrates 31 g
    • Total Fat 11 g
    • Dietary Fiber 1 g
    • Cholesterol 141 mg
    • sodium 748 mg
    • Total Sugars 1 g

    Chicken Gyros

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    • Jeremy

      These were awesome. This recipe was easy to follow and I blew my wife away!

      Thanks Jeremy, we are so glad you both loved it!