Description
This Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection and served with fresh toppings on warm pita bread. Infused with Greek yogurt, lemon, and aromatic spices, these gyros bring a deliciously authentic Mediterranean flavor to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Toppings and Serving
- 4 pita breads
- ¼ cup tzatziki sauce
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large freezer bag, combine the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the marinade. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with a roasting rack to allow even heat circulation. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a slightly crispy exterior. For an extra crispy finish, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can grill or pan-fry the chicken thighs if preferred.
- Assemble Gyros: Once cooked, roughly chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Warm the pita breads in a microwave or on a dry skillet to make them pliable. Fill each pita with the chopped chicken, drizzle with tzatziki sauce, and top with thinly sliced red onions and halved cherry tomatoes for a refreshing finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the most tender and flavorful results.
- If you prefer a smoky grilled flavor, cook the chicken thighs on a grill instead of baking.
- To keep gyros warm, wrap them in foil until ready to serve.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade for added freshness.
- Adjust spices to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
