Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Tzatziki Sauce
- ⅔ cup loosely packed shredded English or Persian cucumber
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
Gyro Assembly
- 6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup thinly sliced romaine lettuce
- 1 cup thinly sliced English or Persian cucumber
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large zip-top bag or mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well by squeezing the bag or whisking the ingredients together.
- Add Chicken and Marinate: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure all pieces are well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 12 hours, or as little as 30 minutes for quicker flavoring.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Wrap the shredded cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Transfer cucumber to a medium bowl. Add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, minced garlic, and sea salt. Stir until combined, adjust salt to taste, and refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Discard any leftover marinade. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Browning: After baking, turn on the broiler and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve extra browning and slight crispiness. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken thighs into thin strips for assembling the gyros.
- Assemble Gyros: Warm pita breads or flatbreads. Spread tzatziki sauce on each bread, then layer with sliced romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chicken strips. Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Greek Chicken Gyros!
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded cucumber to keep the tzatziki sauce creamy and not watery.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked without overcooking.
- If you prefer, the chicken can also be grilled instead of baked for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges and hot sauce for an added zing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free