Greek Chicken Gyros

 

Ingredients

• 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless

Marinade

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~ 3 tsp)
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper

Tzatziki

• 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
• 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more if you want it richer)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper

Salad

• Tomatoes, deseeded and diced
• 3 cucumbers, diced
• 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
• Salt and pepper

To Serve

• 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Preparation

Marinate the Chicken

Place the Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and massage to mix. Add the chicken into the ziplock bag and massage to cover all the chicken in the Marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally 12 hours, and no longer than 24 hours.

Make the Tzatziki

1. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape the watery seeds out. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater.
2. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or a tea towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid.
3. Place cucumber in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, then mix to combine.
4. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Make the Salad

Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Chicken

1. Brush the outdoor grill with oil, then preheat on medium-high. Or heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (cooking time depends on the size of the chicken).
3. Remove the chicken from the grill or pan and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Tzatziki makes a generous amount, but better to have too much than not enough!
• Chicken can be frozen in marinade uncooked. Once thawed, massage well to remove curdling, then cook as per the recipe.
• Cooked chicken will keep for 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition: Per serving, assuming this serves 4 using pita bread.