Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Gyros Assembly
- 6 pita flatbreads
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated English cucumber, squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a gallon size Ziploc bag, combine the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, preparing it for direct grilling of the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the tenderloins on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside, approximately 8 minutes.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, combine Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed dry English cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.
- Warm the Pitas: Once the chicken is cooked, warm the pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until pliable and heated through.
- Assemble the Gyros: Cut the warm pitas in half, and fill each with grilled chicken tenderloins, shredded romaine lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Serve the gyros immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Make sure to squeeze excess water from the cucumber for a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce.
- Adjust seasoning in the tzatziki sauce to your preference, adding more garlic or lemon juice if desired.
- Use fresh pita bread for the best texture; you can also lightly toast them if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marination)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
