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Quick 30-Minute Chicken Gyros Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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A quick and easy chicken gyro recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs and fresh homemade tzatziki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt (full fat)
  • ½ cucumber, peeled and grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • 4 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • Fresh lettuce leaves or baby spinach
  • Optional: Feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Grate the peeled cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side (total 10-12 minutes) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  4. Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for about 1 minute per side or wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
  5. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  6. Assemble the gyros by laying a warm pita flat, spreading a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, adding sliced chicken, red onion, tomato slices, and fresh lettuce. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired. Fold or roll up the pita and serve.

Notes

Keep cucumber well drained to avoid watery tzatziki. Let chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Use medium-high heat and flip chicken only once to prevent drying out. Rest chicken before slicing to retain juices. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flatbread or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free tzatziki, use coconut or almond yogurt alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken gyros, tzatziki sauce, quick dinner, Mediterranean, easy recipe, chicken thighs, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/quick-30-minute-chicken-gyros-recipe-with-homemade-tzatziki-sauce/