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Easy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

This Easy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then pan-cooked to perfection. Served in warm pita bread topped with refreshing tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and kalamata olives, these gyros offer a delicious and authentic Mediterranean meal that's quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Marinade & Chicken

  • 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 (tenders)

For Serving

  • 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

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off any excess, and place in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the bottom is well browned. Flip the chicken pieces using tongs and cook another 5 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  3. Warm the pita bread: Gently warm the pita breads over a medium gas burner flame or in a hot, dry skillet until soft and pliable, taking care not to burn.
  4. Assemble the gyros: Place the warmed pita on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the pita, then add 2 to 3 cooked chicken tenders. Top with sliced tomato, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and a few Kalamata olives to taste. Wrap the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • If you prefer a spicier gyro, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of chili flakes to the marinade.
  • Use whole milk Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade and moister chicken.
  • Warming the pita over an open flame mimics traditional preparation and enhances taste and texture.
  • Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/easy-greek-chicken-gyros-recipe/