Description
This Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a flavorful blend of Greek spices, served in warm pita breads with traditional tzatziki sauce, fresh onions, and cherry tomatoes for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Toppings and Serving
- 4 pita breads
- ¼ cup tzatziki sauce
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large freezer bag. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 1-4 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with a roasting rack to allow even cooking and airflow. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy. For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you may grill or pan-fry the chicken as preferred.
- Assemble the Gyros: Roughly chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Warm the pita breads either in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a dry skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable. Fill each pita with a generous portion of chicken, a spoonful of tzatziki sauce, thinly sliced red onions, and halved cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy.
- Broiling at the end adds an appealing crispy texture, but is optional.
- For a lower-fat option, you can substitute chicken breast instead of thighs.
- Serve with additional tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
