Description
This Easy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices, cooked to juicy perfection in a skillet and served with fresh vegetables, olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. A delicious and authentic Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloin (often labeled "tenders")
To Serve
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, cored and sliced
- 1 small red onion, halved and sliced
- Pitted Kalamata olives
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best results.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it in the hot skillet. Let the chicken cook undisturbed on one side until well-browned, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Assemble the gyros: Warm the pita bread directly over a medium gas burner flame or in a hot, dry skillet until pliable and slightly charred. Place the warm pita on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce. Add 2 to 3 cooked chicken tenders on top. Layer with sliced tomato, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives according to your preference. Wrap the pita tightly to enclose the fillings and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use whole milk Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade and richer taste.
- Warming the pita bread makes it more pliable and enhances flavor; it can be warmed in a pan or over a gas flame carefully.
- The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people.
