Greek Chicken Gyros (yummy)

Imagine yourself basking in the Mediterranean sun, the aroma of sizzling chicken and fresh herbs filling the air. Greek Chicken Gyros bring this vision to life with every bite, offering a delightful fusion of juicy, marinated chicken, tangy tzatziki, and fresh, vibrant vegetables. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Greece. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these gyros are easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and create this delicious dish together! 🇬🇷

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 2 lb (1 kg) chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless

Marinade:

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper

Tzatziki:

• 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2-3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
• 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more if you want it richer)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper

Salad:

• Tomatoes, deseeded and diced
• 3 cucumbers, diced
• 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
• Salt and pepper

To Serve:

• 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Directions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken thigh fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki

1. Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out the excess juice using a clean cloth or paper towels.
2. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Make the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped red Spanish onion, and fresh parsley leaves (if using).
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

1. Warm the pita breads or flatbreads.
2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on each bread.
3. Top with sliced chicken, the prepared salad, and extra tzatziki if desired.

Enjoy!

Serve these Greek Chicken Gyros hot, and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Kali orexi!