Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros (Printer-Friendly Layout)

Juicy marinated chicken tucked into soft pita with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Tzatziki Sauce

08 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - ½ cucumber, finely grated and moisture squeezed out
11 - 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
12 - Pinch of salt

→ Assembly

13 - 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
14 - 1 cucumber, diced
15 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
16 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
18 - Optional: crumbled feta cheese, olives, or lettuce for extra toppings

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully blended, then add the chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover the bowl or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
02 - Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown with a light char and fully cooked through. Set it aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
03 - In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add the grated cucumber last, making sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it in. Stir until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate until ready to use.
04 - Warm the pita breads. Layer each with sliced chicken, diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional toppings like feta cheese or olives. Fold or wrap and serve immediately.

# Extra Tips and Tricks:

01 - Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking, but you can also use chicken breasts if preferred.
02 - The marinade can be made a day in advance, which makes this recipe perfect for easy weeknight prep.
03 - For serving a crowd, consider setting up a build-your-own gyro station with separate ingredients.

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