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- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Spices: dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika - Vegetables: ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, fresh parsley - Pitas or flatbreads and tzatziki sauce For a great chicken gyro, start with the right meat. Chicken thighs give the best flavor and juiciness. I always use boneless thighs for easy cooking. The olive oil adds moisture and enhances the taste. Spices make the chicken sing. Dried oregano adds that classic Mediterranean flavor. Garlic powder gives a nice kick, while smoked paprika brings warmth. These three spices work together in harmony. Next, fresh veggies brighten up the dish. Ripe tomatoes add sweetness, while cucumbers give crunch. The red onion adds zest, and parsley finishes it off with freshness. Don't forget the pitas or flatbreads! They hold all the delicious fillings together. Tzatziki sauce is a must. It adds creaminess and cools down the spices perfectly. - Feta cheese - Kalamata olives If you want to take your gyros to the next level, consider add-ins. Feta cheese brings a tangy, creamy texture that many love. Kalamata olives add a rich, salty bite that pairs well with chicken. Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to suit your taste! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Mix everything well to create a flavorful marinade. Next, take 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs and add them to the bowl. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You want beautiful grill marks on the chicken too. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips for easy loading into your pitas. To assemble your gyros, first warm the pitas or flatbreads. Place them on the grill or in the skillet for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. This makes them warm and pliable. Now, lay out a warm pita. Place a generous portion of the grilled chicken strips in the center. Top the chicken with a spoonful of creamy tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a few rings of red onion. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Carefully wrap the pita around the filling, keeping all the delicious contents tucked inside. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the complete details! To get perfect grill marks on your chicken, use a hot grill pan. Make sure it is preheated well. Place the chicken on the grill and resist the urge to move it. This helps form those nice lines. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). For juicier chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes. A longer marinade brings more flavor and moisture. You can refrigerate the chicken for up to 2 hours for a bolder taste. Use a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, and spices to create a tasty marinade. When serving your gyros, presentation matters. Use a colorful platter to catch the eye. Place the gyros neatly and add a bowl of tzatziki sauce on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges adds a nice touch. Pair your gyros with Greek salad or crispy fries. The fresh taste of the salad balances the warm, savory chicken. Fries add a fun crunch, making the meal even better. To store leftover gyros, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. When you're ready to eat, reheat the chicken gently. Use a skillet over low heat to warm it up. This keeps it juicy and prevents drying out. If you have extra pitas, warm them in the skillet for a minute on each side. Enjoy your tasty meal again! {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your gyros for variety. If you like pork, use pork tenderloin. Season it the same way as the chicken. Grill it until cooked through. Beef is another great choice. Try flank steak or sirloin. Just remember to slice it thinly against the grain. For lamb, use leg or shoulder. The strong flavors of lamb match well with the spices. Each option brings a new taste to your gyros. If you want a meat-free meal, there are tasty substitutes. Grilled vegetables work great. Try zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Marinate them like the chicken for extra flavor. Another option is chickpeas. Roast them with spices until crispy. They add a nice crunch. You can also use falafel for a fun twist. This way, you still enjoy the delicious gyros without meat. While tzatziki sauce is classic, there are other tasty sauces to explore. You can use hummus for a creamy texture. It pairs well with the veggies in your gyros. Another great option is tahini sauce. This nutty sauce adds a unique flavor. For a spicy kick, try harissa or sriracha. Each sauce brings its own twist to your meal. Don't hesitate to mix and match to discover your favorite combination! Chicken thighs offer great nutrition. They hold protein, which helps build muscles. They also contain iron, which supports blood health. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for gyros. Fresh vegetables bring many health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K. They also contain antioxidants that help fight illness. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories. They add crunch and freshness to your gyros. Red onions have compounds that may help reduce heart disease risk. Fresh parsley also packs vitamins and adds color. Each serving of Easy Chicken Gyros has about 400 calories. This count includes chicken, pitas, and veggies. The calorie breakdown is as follows: - Chicken thighs: 230 calories - Whole wheat pita: 170 calories - Tzatziki sauce: 50 calories - Vegetables: 30 calories Keep in mind, these values may change based on your choices for sauces and toppings. For low-carb options, skip the pita. Instead, serve chicken over a salad with the veggies. This keeps the flavors without the carbs. You can also use lettuce wraps for a fun twist. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pitas or flatbreads. Many stores offer these choices. Check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. Enjoy your gyros without worry! I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to sink in. For stronger taste, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the tastier it gets. Just keep it in the fridge while it soaks up those flavors. Yes, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. Marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. Store the marinated chicken in the fridge until you're ready to cook. You can also slice the veggies and make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Just keep everything in airtight containers. If you don't have tzatziki, you can try hummus or a yogurt dressing. For a quick homemade tzatziki, mix 1 cup of plain yogurt with 1 small cucumber, grated. Add garlic, lemon juice, and salt to taste. This will give you a fresh and creamy sauce. One serving of Easy Chicken Gyros has about 400-500 calories. This can change based on how much sauce and veggies you add. The chicken thighs and pitas give it a hearty base, while fresh veggies add nutrition. For a full breakdown, check the Full Recipe. In this article, we covered the essentials for making easy chicken gyros. You learned about key ingredients, steps for cooking, and tips for serving. I shared variations for proteins and sauces to suit your taste. The recipe offers healthy benefits and options for modified diets. Now, you have everything to create delicious gyros at home. Try out the recipe and share it with friends. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Easy Chicken Gyros

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these delectable chicken gyros! This easy recipe uses juicy marinated chicken thighs, warm whole wheat pitas, and fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion paired with creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick meal or fun family gatherings, these gyros are packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 whole wheat pitas or flatbreads

1 cup tzatziki sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

1 cup diced ripe tomatoes

1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken.

    Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. For an even more robust flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

      Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and displays beautiful grill marks.

        Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips for easy loading into the pitas.

          To warm the pitas or flatbreads, place them on the grill or in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they become warm and pliable.

            To assemble your delicious gyros, lay out a warm pita and place a generous portion of the grilled chicken strips in the center. Top with a spoonful of creamy tzatziki sauce, followed by diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a few rings of red onion.

              Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and carefully wrap the pita around the filling, like a sandwich, ensuring all the delicious contents are tucked inside.

                Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the gyros on a platter with additional tzatziki sauce on the side and a sprinkling of parsley for a pop of color. Add lemon wedges for an extra zing!