🥙 Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
⭐ Ingredients (4–6 gyros)
🔥 For the Chicken Marinade
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1 kg (2.2 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts
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3 tbsp Greek yogurt
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1½ tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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1 tsp sea salt
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½ tsp black pepper
🥒 For the Tzatziki Sauce
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp chopped dill (or mint)
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¼ tsp salt
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Black pepper to taste
🥗 Gyro Assembly
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Pita or flatbread (warm)
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Sliced tomatoes
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Sliced red onion
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Shredded lettuce or lettuce leaves
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Extra dill or parsley
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Optional: feta cheese, olives
👨🍳 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Marinate the Chicken
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Combine yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken and coat well.
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Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
You can cook it any of these ways:
Pan Method (Quickest)
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet.
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Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
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Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Oven Method
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
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Broil the last 2 minutes for crisp edges.
Grill Method (Most authentic)
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Grill chicken on medium-high heat 5–6 minutes per side.
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Slice thinly after resting.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
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Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a towel.
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Mix with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors blend.
4. Warm the Pita
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Heat in a dry pan for 20–30 seconds each side,
OR wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
5. Assemble the Gyros
Layer in warm pita:
✔ Sliced chicken
✔ Tzatziki
✔ Tomatoes
✔ Onions
✔ Lettuce
✔ Herbs
✔ Optional feta
Wrap tightly and enjoy!
🍽️ Tips for Best Mediterranean Flavor
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Add a splash of red wine vinegar to the chicken for extra tang.
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Use olive-oil brushed pita for richer flavor.
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Add grilled veggies like peppers or zucchini.
