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+ servings

Greek Chicken Gyros with Meyer Lemon Herb Marinade

Juicy chicken thighs in a bright Meyer lemon herb marinade, wrapped in warm pita with creamy tzatziki and crisp veggies.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 546

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Herb Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 450 g, for juiciness opt for thighs over breasts
  • 2 tbsp California extra-virgin olive oil preferably cold-pressed for fruitier flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large Meyer lemon, zested and juiced California Meyer lemon adds a sweeter, floral note
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano preferably Greek oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika also works well
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Creamy Tzatziki
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt whole milk recommended for creamy texture
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry remove excess water to prevent watery tzatziki
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped or 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice from the same Meyer lemon
  • 1 tbsp California extra-virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
For Assembling Your Gyros
  • 4 pieces pita bread warm, or 8 small if you prefer smaller wraps
  • 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced soak in ice water 5 minutes to mellow bite
  • 1 cup tomato, chopped or sliced ripe and juicy
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded romaine or leaf lettuce
  • optional crumbled feta cheese
  • optional cucumber slices for extra crunch
  • optional fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Method
 

Marinating and Preparation
  1. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, minced garlic, Meyer lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Massage the marinade into the meat until each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavor.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki: grate the cucumber and squeeze it firmly in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Cooking
  1. Heat a grill or a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  2. Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet, toaster oven, or on the grill for about 1 minute per side, until soft and pliable. Keep them wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm.
Assembly
  1. Lay a warm pita on a plate and spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki down the center. Add slices of the rested chicken, then top with red onion, tomato, and shredded lettuce.
  2. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the filling, add a few cucumber slices, and finish with fresh parsley. Fold the pita over the filling or serve open-faced.

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 35gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11g

Notes

For a smoky, grilled flavor, cook the chicken over charcoal or wood chips; if using a skillet, make sure it’s hot enough for a good sear.
Swap in chicken breasts if you like, but thighs are juicier; add a tablespoon of plain yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness.
Squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly or your tzatziki will be watery.
Marinate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for the most aromatic herb flavor.
Store leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat chicken in a hot skillet to avoid drying out.
Serve with a Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or crispy fries; for a low-carb option, skip the pita and use large lettuce leaves.
Try a drizzle of hot sauce or a slice of Hass avocado for a California-style twist.

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