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Greek Chicken Gyros

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Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and savory dish featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in a warm pita. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner, casual gathering, or when you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    1 lemon, juiced and zested
    4 pita bread pockets
    1 cup diced tomatoes
    1 cup cucumber, diced
    1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    For the Tzatziki Sauce:
    1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
    1 clove garlic, minced
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
    Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and zest. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, and cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

  1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  3. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven for a few seconds until soft. Place a few slices of the cooked chicken in the center of each pita, then top with diced tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the gyros with fresh parsley, roll them up, and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, or even swap the chicken for lamb or beef for a more traditional gyro experience.
  2. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian gyro, swap the chicken for falafel or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
  3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or drizzle some hot sauce over the gyro before serving to give it a spicy kick.
  4. Tzatziki Variation: If you want to experiment, you can use mint instead of dill in the tzatziki sauce or add a touch of feta cheese for extra creaminess.

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