These Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor, thanks to a zesty lemon herb marinade! Tender chicken is grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh toppings.
I love making these for friends—they’re always a hit! Just toss the chicken in the marinade, grill it up, and serve with all your favorite fixings. Yummy and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts work fine too, but keep in mind they might be less juicy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for the marinade. For a lighter flavor, you can use regular olive oil or even avocado oil.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for that zesty flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but it’s best to use fresh when possible.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can replace fresh garlic, using about half a teaspoon for each clove.
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and thyme are classic, but you can swap them for Italian seasoning if you’re out. Fresh herbs are also a wonderful addition!
Pita or Flatbreads: Pita bread is traditional for gyros, but flatbreads, naan, or even tortillas can work in a pinch. Choose whatever you like!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken to perfection is all about controlling heat and timing. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful:
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear. If the heat is too low, the chicken may dry out.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, or longer if you have time. This adds flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Always let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps retain juices and makes for juicy bites!
- If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Enjoy crafting your Greek Chicken Gyros and delight in the fresh tastes they bring!
Greek Chicken Gyros With Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 4 hours for marinating. Grilling will take about 15 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour to 4 hours and 30 minutes. It’s worth the wait for all those delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your zesty lemon herb marinade. It should smell fantastic!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess marinade drip off.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want it to be cooked through and nicely charred. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Slice the Chicken:
After grilling, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then slice the chicken into thin strips.
6. Warm the Pita Breads:
While the chicken is resting, warm the pita breads. You can do this on the grill for just a minute or in a skillet over low heat until soft and pliable.
7. Assemble the Gyros:
Take a warm pita bread and add a generous amount of sliced chicken. Top it with tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of red onion, tomato slices, cucumber slices, and some fresh herbs. Feel free to load it up with your favorites!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita over the fillings and serve immediately. For an extra touch, add lemon wedges on the side for a little squeeze of fresh juice.
Enjoy your flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros with a bright, zesty twist!
FAQ for Greek Chicken Gyros With Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out more easily. Consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 4 hours for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help enhance the taste!
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing yogurt with chopped cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of salt. It’ll give you a similar refreshing flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, and assemble the gyros fresh just before serving.
