Chicken Gyros Recipe

Chicken Gyros

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It all started when I wanted to surprise everyone with something a bit different for dinner. I stumbled upon this Chicken Gyros recipe, and thought, why not give it a whirl? They’re surprisingly simple to make, which is a huge bonus for those of us juggling a busy schedule. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and mostly kitchen staples. The thing that really makes these gyros special is the marinade—it’s brimming with bold, vibrant flavors like coriander, paprika, cumin, and a touch of cinnamon, which gives the chicken an irresistible taste.

The first time I made these, I was a little nervous. But oh, the payoff! Watching everyone gush over how juicy and flavorful the chicken was—well, it just made it all worth it. The secret to getting them just right, I’ve found, is letting the chicken marinate as long as possible; it really lets those flavors sink in deep. And then there’s the tzatziki sauce—a creamy, tangy complement that ties everything together.

So why not spice up your next meal with these Chicken Gyros? They’re perfect for a casual dinner at home or for impressing guests at a barbecue. Once you try them, you might just find them becoming a new favorite in your family too. Let’s dive in and bring a little piece of Greek cuisine to your table!

How to Make Chicken Gyros

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Ingredients:

  • 8 pita breads
  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pounded flat
  • 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ large yellow onion, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • Shredded cucumber
  • Sliced onion
  • Sliced tomato
  • 1 sturdy 10-inch wooden skewer

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices to form a rich marinade.
  2. Place chicken thighs between plastic wrap and flatten them to about ½ inch thick using a mallet or rolling pin.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a bowl or resealable bag, add the marinade, and thoroughly coat the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  5. For the tzatziki, mix shredded cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Set the half onion on a baking tray and use it as a sturdy base. Thread marinated chicken onto the skewer, alternating directions for even cooking.
  7. Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Serve the sliced chicken in warm pita bread topped with onion, tomato, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. Enjoy!

Customizing Chicken Gyros: Alternative Ingredients

No chicken on hand? Swap it for turkey or pork. If you’re out of Greek yogurt, try using sour cream or a mix of mayonnaise and yogurt for a similar tang. For a vegetarian twist, use portobello mushrooms or grilled halloumi cheese. Feel free to adjust spices to your taste; experiment with smoked paprika or add a pinch of sumac for a citrusy tang.

Keeping Your Chicken Gyros Fresh

To store leftovers, keep the chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months, defrosting thoroughly before reheating. Tzatziki sauce can be refrigerated for up to three days, but avoid freezing as it can affect its texture.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Gyros

Pair your gyros with a side of Greek salad or a simple cucumber and feta salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or herbed rice for a more substantial meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or chilled lemonade complements the flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gyros

Ensure your chicken is well-pounded for even cooking and optimal marinade absorption. Marinating overnight infuses the best flavor. Consider grilling the chicken for a smoky taste. Use fresh herbs for the tzatziki for the freshest flavor, and lightly toast your pita before serving for added texture.

Adapting Chicken Gyros for Any Time of Year

In the summer, add fresh grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to your gyros. In the winter, warm spices like nutmeg or allspice can be added for a cozy touch. In spring, incorporate fresh mint into your tzatziki for a vibrant twist, while in fall, roasted pumpkin or sweet potato slices make a hearty addition.

serving yummy Chicken GyrosFAQs:

What is the best way to marinate the chicken for gyros?

The best way to marinate chicken for gyros is to use a blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a selection of spices. It’s ideal to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better to ensure the flavors penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken.

Can I make Chicken Gyros ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken the day before and let it marinate overnight. The tzatziki sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly on the day of serving quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

What can I use if I don’t have a meat mallet?

If you don’t have a meat mallet, a rolling pin or a heavy skillet can do the trick. Just ensure the chicken is evenly pounded to around ½ inch thickness, which helps it cook uniformly and absorb the marinade more efficiently, contributing to juicy and flavorful gyros.

How can I make these gyros vegetarian?

To make vegetarian gyros, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or grilled zucchini. You could also use halloumi cheese for a protein-rich option. Marinate the vegetables or cheese in the same mixture and grill or roast them for a delicious meatless alternative.

What’s the secret to making the perfect tzatziki sauce?

The key to a perfect tzatziki sauce lies in using fresh ingredients. Strain the shredded cucumber to remove excess moisture and use full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess. Add fresh dill and parsley for an herby flavor kick, and let the sauce chill to develop its flavors fully before serving.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, grilling the chicken is a fantastic alternative to baking. It adds a delightful smoky flavor to the gyros. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high, and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method makes these gyros perfect for a summer barbecue.

Chicken Gyros Recipe

Chicken Gyros

These juicy and flavorful Chicken Gyros are a family favorite, perfect for gatherings. Enjoy them with fresh toppings and homemade tzatziki sauce for an unforgettable meal!
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • baking sheet or cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces pita breads
  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs pounded flat
  • 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ large yellow onion peeled
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • shredded cucumber for serving
  • sliced onion for serving
  • sliced tomato for serving
  • 1 sturdy 10-inch wooden skewer

Instructions
 

For the Marinade:

  • In a large bowl, blend together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, coriander, paprika, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, black pepper, and kosher salt to prepare the marinade.

For the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken thighs on a cutting board covered with plastic wrap and pound them flat to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  • Transfer the chicken to a bowl or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over, and massage it thoroughly into the meat. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • Prepare the tzatziki by combining shredded cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For Cooking the Chicken:

  • On a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet, use the onion half as a base. Skewer the marinated chicken thighs, rotating them as you add each piece.
  • Place in the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. Allow the chicken to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  • To serve, stuff the pita with warm chicken slices, adding onions and tomatoes along with a generous serving of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Keyword Chicken

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