These Easy Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor! Marinated in a zesty lemon herb mix, the chicken is juicy and perfect for wrapping in warm pita bread.
Who doesn’t love a good gyro? I like to add lots of fresh veggies on mine for a crunchy kick. It’s a fun meal that feels special, but it’s super easy to whip up!
Get ready to impress family or friends without the fuss. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy. Dinner is served, and you’ll feel like a chef in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian version.
Olive Oil: This is key for flavor and moisture. If you’re out, avocado oil is a good alternative. For a different flavor, try using sesame oil instead.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens our marinade! If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice is fine but fresh is always best. You can substitute with lime juice for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds great flavor, but you could use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) in a hurry. Adjust to your taste!
Spices: Dried oregano is classic for Greek flavors. If you’re out, Italian seasoning works! Ground cumin and smoked paprika enhance depth, but feel free to omit the paprika if you can’t find it.
Tzatziki Sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought saves time. You can also make a simple yogurt-based sauce with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill as an alternative.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is all about building flavor. Here’s how to give your chicken the best taste:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Make sure it’s well mixed for even flavor.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish to allow the marinade to cover well.
- For best results, marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight is even better, as it allows the flavors to really soak in!
- Before grilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps with even cooking.
With marinating, patience pays off. Enjoy the wonderful burst of flavors in each bite of your gyros!
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (2-3 hours for best flavor). Grilling the chicken will take around 12 minutes, and then just a little time to warm the pita and assemble your gyros. In total, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful marinade is what makes the chicken taste amazing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best results, marinate for 2-3 hours to really soak in the flavors.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The lovely smell will make your mouth water!
4. Slice and Rest the Chicken:
After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
5. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is resting, warm your pita breads in a dry skillet for a minute on each side or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a few minutes. This makes them soft and perfect for wrapping.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
To create each gyro, place a few slices of grilled chicken on the warm pita. Top with sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill if you like. This adds a refreshing touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, fold the pita over the filled ingredients and enjoy your homemade Greek chicken gyros! They’re fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!
Bon appétit! You’ve just created a delightful meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand, you can mix Greek yogurt with diced cucumbers, a splash of lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh dill for a quick alternative. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftover chicken and fillings separately in airtight containers. The cooked chicken will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best taste, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble the gyros fresh before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and grill it when you’re ready to serve. The sliced chicken can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two, making for easy assembly when it’s time to eat!
