Description
Savory Greek chicken gyros bring Mediterranean magic to your kitchen, blending tender marinated meat with zesty tzatziki sauce. Crisp pita bread wraps these flavor-packed delights, promising a delicious journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Accompaniments and Toppings:
- 6 pita flatbreads
- 2 cups shredded romaine
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated English cucumber (squeezed dry)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a sealed container, blend olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Immerse chicken tenderloins thoroughly, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.
- Create tzatziki by thoroughly draining grated cucumber. Combine with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while chicken marinates.
- Heat grill to medium temperature (around 375°F). Arrange marinated chicken on grill, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes. Rotate periodically to ensure even browning and consistent 165°F internal temperature throughout meat.
- During final chicken cooking minutes, briefly warm pita bread on grill, approximately 30-45 seconds per side. Achieve light char and flexible texture without excessive drying.
- Slice grilled chicken into thin strips. Layer pitas with chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and generous tzatziki sauce. Fold pita edges inward, creating compact handheld gyro.
Notes
- Enhance marinade flavor by using fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste profile.
- Prevent watery tzatziki by thoroughly draining cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Opt for Greek-style pita bread to maintain authentic texture and traditional gyro experience.
- Create a low-carb version by replacing pita with lettuce wraps or serving over a fresh salad base.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg