Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 large lemons - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat pita breads - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 large tomato, diced - 1 small red onion, sliced - Fresh parsley for garnish When I think about making Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros, the ingredients shine bright. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their rich taste. The olive oil brings a smoothness that makes every bite delightful. The real star, though, is the fresh lemon juice and zest. They add a bright and zesty kick that wakes up the dish. Next, the seasonings build layers of flavor. Garlic adds depth, while oregano and thyme bring warmth and earthiness. Don’t forget the salt and pepper; they are key to enhancing all the flavors. For the accompaniments, I choose whole wheat pita breads. They are soft and perfect for holding all the delicious fillings. The Greek yogurt serves as a creamy base for the tzatziki sauce. Fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions add crunch and freshness. Finally, a sprinkle of parsley on top makes each gyro look inviting and adds a pop of color. This list of ingredients is simple but packs a lot of flavor. I promise that each bite of these gyros will make you feel like you are dining in a sunny Greek tavern. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, we need to make the marinade. Grab a large bowl and mix together these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 2 large lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Whisk until it blends well. Next, toss the chicken thighs in the marinade. Make sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, let it marinate overnight for even better taste. When you are ready, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Discard any leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, slice the chicken into strips. While the chicken cooks, you can make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together: - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, diced into small pieces - A splash of lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste Stir until all ingredients are combined. Set it aside. Let the flavors meld together for a bit. Now it’s time to put everything together. Warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1 minute on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fill. Place several slices of the grilled chicken in the center of each pita. Top it off with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Add diced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions on top. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade gyros! To really boost the taste, marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour. If you have the time, let it sit overnight. This gives the chicken more time to soak up the yummy flavors. Want to switch things up? Add more herbs like rosemary or basil. This can give your dish a fun twist. When cooking indoors, a grill pan works great. Preheat it to medium-high heat for best results. Always check that your chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. This is key for juicy and tender chicken. Pair your gyros with a fresh Greek salad or some roasted veggies. This adds color and taste to your meal. You can also serve extra tzatziki sauce on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and gives a nice cool contrast to the warm chicken. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the herbs and spices to penetrate the meat more deeply. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice char and prevents sticking. Resting the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender. Customize Your Gyros: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers to personalize your gyros. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this recipe for a new taste. Try using lamb or beef instead of chicken. Both meats will soak up the lemon and herb flavors well. If you want a vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant add a great texture and flavor. The sauce can change the whole dish. You can use different yogurt sauces for a twist. A spicy yogurt sauce adds heat and depth. If you prefer something creamy, make a dill sauce. Mix Greek yogurt with fresh dill, a bit of lemon juice, and salt for a cool taste. Adding sides can make your gyros even better. Crumbled feta cheese gives a salty kick. You can also add olives for a briny flavor. Adding fresh veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, or radishes adds crunch and freshness to your gyros. Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite toppings! After enjoying your Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros, you can store any leftover chicken. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. For the best taste, eat it within 3-4 days. If you wait too long, the chicken may lose flavor. To save grilled chicken for future meals, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or on the grill until hot. Make sure it reaches 165°F for safety. You can also store any leftover tzatziki sauce. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. To keep it tasting its best, avoid dipping utensils directly into the sauce. This helps prevent contamination. If the sauce separates, just stir it before serving. Enjoy your homemade tzatziki with other meals! To make the best Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros, start with a great marinade. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken thighs soak in this mix for at least one hour. If you have time, marinate overnight for better flavor. When cooking, grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Yes, you can use other meats for gyros. Lamb is a popular choice with a robust flavor. Beef also works well, especially when marinated. If you prefer a lighter option, try turkey. For a vegetarian dish, grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers are great. Each option will give a unique twist to your gyros. Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros pair well with many sides. A fresh Greek salad adds crunch and color. Roasted vegetables bring a warm, savory touch. You can also serve them with crispy fries or a side of hummus. For drinks, try a light white wine or lemonade to balance the flavors. The ideal marination time for chicken is at least one hour. This allows the flavors to seep in. For a more intense taste, marinate the chicken overnight. Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours to avoid a mushy texture. This article showed you how to create tasty Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros. You learned about the key ingredients and steps to marinate and cook the chicken. I shared tips to enhance your dish and ideas for variations. Now, you can make delicious gyros that your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, sides, and sauces. You’ll have a meal everyone will want to share!$

Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros

Delicious and flavorful chicken gyros marinated in lemon and herbs, served with tzatziki sauce.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large lemons (juice)
1 lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 whole wheat pita breads
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cucumber diced into small pieces
1 large tomato, diced
1 small red onion, finely sliced
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they're thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for a more intense flavor infusion).
Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side or until it is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
While the chicken can be cooking, prepare a refreshing tzatziki sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the diced cucumber, a splash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well until combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1 minute on each side until they are soft and pliable. Once warmed, place several slices of grilled chicken in the center of each pita. Top with a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce, followed by diced tomatoes and the thinly sliced red onions.
Finish off each gyro with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, with additional tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Keyword chicken, Greek, gyros, lemon, tzatziki