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greek chicken gyros 123870139

Greek Chicken Gyros with Meyer Lemon Herb Marinade and Tzatziki

Juicy Greek chicken gyros with a bright Meyer lemon herb marinade, creamy tzatziki, and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 679

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Marinade
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts patted dry
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil preferably California
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika sweet or smoked
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt whole milk or 2%
  • 1/2 medium cucumber grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Assembly
  • 4 to 6 rounds pita bread warmed
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced or sliced
  • 1 cup lettuce shredded romaine or leaf lettuce
  • Optional toppings sliced avocado, crumbled feta, kalamata olives

Method
 

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, Meyer lemon juice and zest, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat every piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, so the flavors really penetrate the meat.
  2. Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. In a separate bowl, stir together the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill until you are ready to build the gyros.
  3. Heat a grill or a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the exterior is deeply charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
  4. Warm the pita breads on the grill, in a dry skillet, or in a 350°F oven for a couple of minutes until they are soft and bendable. Stack them and wrap in a clean towel or foil to keep them pliable.
  5. Lay one warm pita on a plate and spread a generous layer of tzatziki down the middle. Arrange sliced chicken, red onion, tomatoes, and lettuce on top. Add any optional toppings you like, then fold the pita over the filling or roll it up and serve right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 679kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 45gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight; even 30 minutes will work in a pinch, but the result will be less bold.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the thickest tzatziki; if your yogurt is thin, strain it through cheesecloth for 15 minutes first.
Squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly; excess moisture makes the tzatziki watery.
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; work in batches if needed so it browns instead of steaming.
Leftover chicken and tzatziki can be refrigerated separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and refresh the pita in the oven or toaster.
Serve with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or crispy fries for a fuller meal.

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