Description
Savory Greek chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce bring Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita promise a delicious journey through Greek culinary traditions you’ll deeply enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins
Herbs and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) grated English cucumber, squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Assembly Ingredients:
- 6 pita flatbreads
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Create the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with finely diced cucumber, freshly chopped dill, tangy lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and sauce to chill.
- Prepare the chicken marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and massage thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Allow chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, periodically turning the bag to distribute the marinade evenly and maximize flavor absorption.
- Heat the grill to medium temperature, ensuring even cooking surface.
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill, cooking until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Rotate occasionally to prevent burning and achieve consistent doneness. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While chicken cooks, lightly toast pita breads on the grill, creating a warm and slightly crisp texture. Grill each side for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Slice pitas in half to create pockets, then layer with grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce.
- Serve the gyros immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and textures.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
- Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki sauce by patting with paper towels.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with lamb, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Use fresh herbs directly from garden or high-quality dried herbs for maximum aromatic impact in marinade.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg