Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Greek Chicken Gyros, featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh homemade tzatziki, and warm pita bread. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Gyros:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads or flatbreads

For the Homemade Tzatziki:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and charred with grill marks.
3. Make the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads in the oven or on a skillet. Fill each pita with grilled chicken strips and top with a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley or dill.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and has a prep time of 15 minutes, marinating time of 30 minutes, cooking time of 10 minutes, and a total time of approximately 55 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel.
• Additional Toppings: Add sliced red onions, tomatoes, or lettuce for extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the tzatziki.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and warm the pita before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, chicken breasts can be used; just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
2. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
   You can substitute with regular plain yogurt, but the texture will be slightly different.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   If you use gluten-free pita or flatbreads, the dish can be made gluten-free.
4. How do I store leftover tzatziki?
   Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
   Yes, tzatziki can be prepared a day in advance for better flavor melding.
6. What herbs can I use if I don’t have dill?
   Fresh mint or parsley can be good substitutes for dill in tzatziki.
7. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
8. What should I serve with gyros?
   A side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables pairs nicely with gyros.
9. Can I freeze the chicken?
   Yes, marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before grilling.
10. Is there a non-dairy option for tzatziki?
    Yes, use a non-dairy yogurt alternative to make a dairy-free tzatziki.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Gyros with homemade tzatziki are a delightful way to savor Mediterranean flavors in your own kitchen. With their tender, marinated chicken and refreshing sauce, they make for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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