Greek Chicken Gyro Pitas

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Juice of 1 fresh lemon - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste The main ingredients create a rich and tasty flavor. Chicken thighs are moist and juicy. Olive oil adds depth, while garlic gives a strong aroma. Oregano lends a fresh, herby touch. Smoked paprika adds warmth, and cumin gives a warm, earthy note. Lemon juice brightens the dish. Salt and pepper round out the flavor. - 4 whole wheat pita breads - 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded - 1 ripe tomato, diced - 1 crisp cucumber, diced - ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) The fresh ingredients bring crunch and color to your gyros. Whole wheat pita is soft and healthy. Romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch. Diced tomato and cucumber provide freshness. Thinly sliced red onion gives a bit of bite. Tzatziki sauce is the creamy finish that ties all flavors together. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture. - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. This mix makes a great marinade. - Add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Coat each piece well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. - Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - After cooking, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips. - Warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1 minute on each side. They should be soft and easy to fold. - Begin with a bed of shredded lettuce inside each pita. - Layer the sliced chicken on top. Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion to each pita. - Top it all off with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. - Fold the pita over the fillings tightly. Enjoy your delicious Greek chicken gyros! Marinating the chicken is key for great flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go up to 2 hours. This will make the chicken taste even better. You can add spices like coriander or thyme to boost the flavor. A pinch of cayenne can add heat if you like a kick! To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop or in the oven. For stovetop cooking, use a non-stick pan over medium heat. For the oven, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. To serve your gyros, use a wooden platter or nice plates. Layer the sliced chicken and fresh veggies in the pita. Top with tzatziki sauce for a creamy finish. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light Greek salad or crispy roasted potatoes. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Beef or lamb works well in gyros. Grilled vegetables are a great choice too. They add color and flavor to your meal. Try eggplant or zucchini for a tasty twist. Each option brings its own unique taste. Making tzatziki from scratch is easy and fun. You need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup plain yogurt - 1 cucumber, grated and drained - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt to taste Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. You’ll love the fresh taste in your gyros! If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pita bread. There are many brands available. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. For vegan alternatives, try marinated tofu or chickpeas. Both add great flavor and protein. Customize your gyros to fit your diet! After making Greek chicken gyro pitas, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store the chicken and veggies separately. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Wrap any leftover pitas in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Store veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a sealed container in the fridge. This keeps them crisp and fresh. Use the leftovers within three days for the best taste. When you want to enjoy your leftover gyros, reheating is key. For the chicken, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat until warm, about 5 minutes. For the pitas, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This warms them without making them tough. You can also microwave pitas for about 20 seconds, but they may get chewy. Yes, you can freeze gyros for later! It's best to freeze the chicken separately from the pita and fresh veggies. Cool the chicken completely first, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Pitas can be frozen in a stack with parchment paper between each one. Use frozen gyros within three months for the best flavor. When you're ready, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating. To make Greek chicken gyro pitas from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat chicken thighs in the marinade. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours. 3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan. Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F. 4. Warm the Pitas: Grill the pitas for 1 minute on each side. 5. Assemble Gyros: Add shredded lettuce, chicken, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion to pitas. Top with tzatziki sauce. This method gives you fresh, tasty gyros right at home! Here are some great side dishes to serve with Greek chicken gyros: - Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. - Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, seasoned with herbs. - Tzatziki and Pita Chips: A crunchy, flavorful dip option. - Hummus: Creamy and rich, pairs well with veggies or pita. - Olives: A simple addition that adds a lot of flavor. These sides enhance your meal and add variety! Yes, you can make gyros ahead of time! Here are some tips for prep and storage: - Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate chicken a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. - Cook and Store: After cooking, let the chicken cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheat: Warm up the chicken in the oven or microwave before serving. - Prep the Veggies: Chop tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions a day early. Keep them in the fridge. This makes meal planning so much easier! Greek chicken gyro pitas are simple and tasty. You need fresh chicken, spices, and veggies. Marinate the chicken for flavor, then grill it until cooked. Assemble everything in a pita, add tzatziki, and enjoy. You can also switch proteins or make the sauce yourself for variety. Store leftovers well, and reheating is easy. Explore options suited to your diet. With these tips and ideas, you're ready to create delicious meals. Enjoy making this dish your own!$

Greek Chicken Gyro Pitas

Savor the taste of Greece with these mouthwatering Greek Chicken Gyro Pitas! Juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki all wrapped in warm whole wheat pita make for a delicious meal any night of the week. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a fun gathering, this recipe is quick to make and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

4 whole wheat pita breads

1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded

1 ripe tomato, diced

1 crisp cucumber, diced

½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup tzatziki sauce (your choice: store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.

Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for an enhanced depth of flavor.

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.

Once heated, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, monitoring closely until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps retain juices; afterward, slice the chicken into thin strips.

While the chicken is resting, warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1 minute on each side, just until they are soft and pliable.

To assemble your perfect gyros, start by laying a generous bed of shredded lettuce inside each pita. Layer on the sliced chicken, followed by a mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.

Finish each gyro with a hearty dollop of tzatziki sauce for that signature creaminess and flavor.

Fold the pita over the fillings, securing it snugly, and dive in to enjoy this delicious meal!

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the gyros on a wooden platter or neat plates, perhaps with a side of extra tzatziki sauce and a few lemon wedges for drizzling on top for a burst of fresh flavor.