Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with this Greek chicken gyro, where succulent marinated chicken meets creamy tzatziki in a dance of flavors. Crisp pita bread and fresh herbs complete this authentic Greek street food experience that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 kilograms (10 pieces) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- Freshly ground pepper
Accompaniments:
- 6 pita breads
- 3 Lebanese cucumbers, seeds removed, diced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, seeds removed, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 batch homemade tzatziki
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices including paprika, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper, along with olive oil.
- Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler. Heat broiler to high temperature. Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange pieces on prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Broil chicken for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until exterior develops a golden-brown char and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest broiled chicken for 10 minutes, then slice into thin, uniform strips.
- Dice cucumber and tomatoes into small, consistent cubes, removing seeds to prevent sogginess. Thinly slice red onion for sharp, crisp texture.
- Warm pita bread briefly to enhance flexibility and flavor.
- Spread generous layer of tzatziki across pita, leaving small border around edges.
- Layer sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion evenly. Fold pita into classic gyro wrap, securing with foil to maintain structure.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain fresh and warm.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that infuse every bite with Mediterranean seasonings.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness compared to leaner breast meat.
- Pat chicken dry before broiling to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy texture during cooking.
- For gluten-free version, swap traditional pita with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps without compromising authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg