Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins (cut thick ones in half lengthwise)
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
Cucumber Salad
- ½ cucumber (sliced or chopped)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of fresh dill (optional)
Assembly
- White or whole wheat pita bread
- Green-leaf lettuce
- Crumbled feta cheese
- 5-Minute Tzatziki Sauce (see marinade ingredients for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Stir together all marinade ingredients including olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, garlic powder, and Herbs de Provence until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, toss thoroughly to coat all pieces, then cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to two hours to enhance flavor.
- Make Cucumber Salad: While the chicken marinates, combine the sliced or chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh dill if using in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Use tongs to place marinated chicken on the cooking surface. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Assemble the Gyros: Arrange pita bread on a plate or clean surface. Layer each pita with green-leaf lettuce, cooked chicken, a generous portion of cucumber salad, crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Fold the pita over like a sandwich or roll it up to enclose the fillings. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chicken gyros!
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to two hours instead of 30 minutes.
- Use either white or whole wheat pita bread according to your preference.
- The cucumber can be sliced or chopped based on texture preference.
- Fresh dill in the cucumber salad is optional but adds an authentic flavor.
- Herbs de Provence can be substituted with Italian seasoning if unavailable.
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
