Description
These grilled chicken gyros are a delightful combination of juicy marinated chicken and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, each bite is an explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Grilled Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (preferably whole milk)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
- For Serving:
- 4–6 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional dill or parsley in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. You want it hot enough to create a nice sear on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Look for a nice char and juices running clear. Avoid moving the chicken too much; let it develop a good sear.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips for easy assembly. Make sure to cut against the grain for tenderness.
- Assemble the Gyros: Take a pita or flatbread and layer it with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, and the grilled chicken. Drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the gyros immediately with extra garlic yogurt sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade grilled chicken gyros!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Aim for at least 30 minutes of marination for deeper flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time. Don't skip the resting period after grilling to keep the chicken moist.