Description
This Chicken Gyros recipe offers a flavorful and authentic Greek experience with tender marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection and served with traditional toppings like tzatziki, red onions, and cherry tomatoes wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Toppings
- 4 pita breads
- ¼ cup tzatziki sauce
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large freezer bag, combine the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag tightly and massage it gently to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate the bag to marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with a roasting rack to allow heat circulation. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and edges appear slightly crispy. For added crispiness, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can choose to grill or pan-fry the chicken to your preference.
- Assemble Gyros: Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces. Warm the pita breads either in the microwave for a few seconds or in a dry skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable. To assemble, lay the chopped chicken inside each pita, then top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce, thinly sliced red onions, and halved cherry tomatoes. Fold gently and serve immediately for a delicious, flavorful gyro experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavors and tenderness.
- Use a roasting rack to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
- Broiling at the end provides extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Gyro toppings can be customized with ingredients like cucumbers, lettuce, or feta cheese if desired.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
