Yield: Serves 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes, plus marinade time | Cook Time: 15 minutes
There’s something about the way the tangy yogurt combines with the warm, salty chicken that makes gyros such a standout.
INGREDIENTS
Marinade
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
Tzatziki Sauce
1 English (hothouse) cucumber, grated
1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salad
½ red onion, thinly sliced and placed in a bowl of cold water to soak
2 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 English (hothouse) cucumber, diced
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
4–6 pita or flat breads
DIRECTIONS
1. For the marinade: In a large zip-top bag, combine the garlic, red-wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper. Massage to mix well.
2. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
3. For the tzatziki sauce: Wrap the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze well to remove the excess water. Place in a bowl and add the Greek yogurt, red-wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Cover with plastic and refrigerate.
4. For the salad: Drain the red onion well and put it in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley. Mix well.
5. Preheat the broiler to high with an oven rack in the top position. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the wire rack with cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the rack. Broil for 5–7 minutes, until just beginning to brown. Flip the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes more. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Place one piece of chicken on each pita. Top with salad and tzatziki sauce. Serve.