Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 inch piece of English cucumber, peeled and finely diced
For Serving:
- 6 pitas or flatbreads
- 1 small romaine heart, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 of an English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried dill weed, and lemon juice. Stir in the finely diced cucumber, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic, turmeric, coriander, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Gyros: Warm or toast the pita breads. Layer each pita with a generous scoop of the chopped grilled chicken, followed by romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, and a dollop of the prepared tzatziki sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken: For even cooking, butterfly thick chicken breasts or use chicken breast filets to ensure they cook thoroughly on the grill.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the tzatziki sauce and chicken marinade up to 2-3 days in advance and store separately in airtight containers. Chop vegetables a few hours before serving to save time.
- Freezing: The best method is to freeze raw chicken in marinade in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Cooked leftover chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean