Greek Chicken Lemon Gyros

Juicy grilled chicken gyros loaded with bright lemon and herbs were my first taste of real Greek street food and I still make them at home to bring that same fresh flavor to our table This recipe nails exactly what makes a gyro irresistible vinegary marinade tender chicken and lots of cool tzatziki for a satisfying wrap that feels like a getaway

My favorite memory of making these was on a busy weeknight when all I wanted was something not boring Everyone raved about them and now they are a regular part of our dinner rotation

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: for lean and tender protein look for fresh organic if possible
• Olive oil: for richness and to help the marinade cling Use extra virgin for the healthiest flavor
• Lemon juice: brightens the marinade fresh squeezed is best for zing
• Garlic: gives the chicken deep flavor choose firm cloves with unbroken skins
• Dried oregano: brings authentic Greek aroma make sure it is aromatic and not faded in color
• Salt: for seasoning any fine grain works
• Black pepper: adds gentle heat freshly cracked packs more punch
• Pita breads: soft wraps to hold everything together use fresh pitas or warm them to soften
• Tzatziki sauce: cools and balances tang homemade or store bought both work
• Chopped lettuce: for crispness check for unwilted greens
• Diced tomatoes: bring fresh juiciness choose ripe and firm varieties
• Sliced red onion: offers sweet sharp bite thinly sliced is best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Lemon Herb Marinade:

Pour olive oil and lemon juice into a bowl then add minced garlic oregano salt and pepper Stir very well until all ingredients are blended so the chicken gets evenly coated

Marinate the Chicken:

Cut chicken breast into even strips to ensure each piece cooks at the same speed Immerse in the marinade Massage lightly then cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes for the deepest flavor

Grill or Sear the Chicken:

Heat the grill or a skillet over medium high Lay the marinated chicken strips flat and cook on one side for five to seven minutes until golden brown Flip and cook the other side until juices run clear and the internal temperature hits one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit

Warm the Pita Breads:

Place pita breads on the grill or skillet for about one minute on each side This softens and brings out their aroma without drying them out

Assemble the Gyros:

Lay a warm pita flat Layer on chicken strips generous spoonfuls of tzatziki chopped lettuce diced tomatoes and sliced onion Fold gently to keep fillings inside

Serve Fresh:

Eat right away while chicken is hot and the pita is warm with extra tzatziki alongside if you like

Pin

I have always been obsessed with real Greek oregano It scents the kitchen and always reminds me of summers spent cooking from my grandmother’s recipes at our old wooden table She loved a double sprinkle on everything

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover chicken in foil or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge Use within three days for best flavor The assembled gyros are best enjoyed right away but the cooked chicken does reheat nicely in a nonstick skillet Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be swapped for breast for extra juiciness or more budget friendly meals You can mix in crumbled feta for richness or add cucumber slices for a crunch without extra fat If you cannot find tzatziki just use Greek yogurt with lemon and grated cucumber

Serving Suggestions

Serve gyros with a side of lemon potatoes or a big Greek salad They also go well with oven roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner Kids love these with just chicken and sauce and adults can pile on all the fresh veggies

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Greek Roots

Gyros are a Greek classic inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma but they are always made with bold Mediterranean flavors The lemon herb marinade and cooling yogurt sauce are what set them apart from other wraps I love making these for summer get togethers or any night when I want dinner to feel a little special

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Overnight marination enhances the taste even further.

→ What type of pita should I use?

Soft, fresh pita breads work well as they hold the fillings and maintain their shape after warming.

→ Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely. Store-bought tzatziki is convenient, but homemade adds a fresher, brighter touch to the dish.

→ Are there alternative toppings?

You can personalize with sliced cucumbers, feta cheese, kalamata olives, or a drizzle of extra lemon juice.

→ Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pita breads. Double-check ingredients in store-bought items for gluten content.