Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
4-6 pita bread or flatbreads (or Greek pita if available)
1 medium tomato, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh lettuce or arugula (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to marinate.
Make the tzatziki sauce:
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), lemon juice, dill, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to coat the pan.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into strips.
Assemble the gyros:
Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes.
Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce in the center of each pita.
Layer with sliced chicken, fresh tomato, onion, and lettuce (if using). Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve:
Fold the pita around the filling to form a wrap. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping!