
Gyros-Style Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Warm Pita
Imagine tender, marinated chicken skewers sizzling on the grill, their edges charred and smoky, while the scent of oregano and lemon drifts through the air. This is souvlaki the way it’s meant to be—simple, bold, and utterly satisfying. You’ll thread chunks of chicken onto wooden skewers after a soak in a garlicky, herb-flecked marinade, then cook them until golden and juicy. Serve the chicken tucked into warm, fluffy pita bread, piled with crisp tomatoes, red onion, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki—cool, creamy, and bright with cucumber and dill. Each bite is a glorious mix of textures and temperatures: warm meat, cool sauce, crunchy vegetables. It’s a dish that brings the vibrant energy of a Greek taverna straight to your table, and it’s easier than you think. You’ll feel like a hero when you pull these skewers from the grill, and your family will beg for them again and again.
Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs600g
- extra virgin olive oil60ml
- lemon juice3 tbsp
- garlic cloves, minced4
- dried oregano2 tsp
- dried thyme1 tsp
- smoked paprika1 tsp
- salt1 tsp
- black pepper½ tsp
- Greek yogurt (full-fat)200g
- cucumber, grated and squeezed dry½
- fresh dill, chopped2 tbsp
- red wine vinegar1 tbsp
- pita breads4
- tomato, sliced1
- red onion, thinly sliced½
- feta cheese, crumbled (optional)50g
Nutrition
Directions
- 1
Cut the chicken thighs into 4cm chunks. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, toss well, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- 2
Meanwhile, make the tzatziki: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed very dry to remove excess water), chopped dill, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until serving.
- 3
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, pressing the pieces snugly together.
- 4
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature should reach 74°C.
- 5
Warm the pita breads on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, just until pliable and lightly toasted. Serve each pita topped with a skewer of chicken, slices of tomato, red onion, a generous spoonful of tzatziki, and a sprinkle of feta if desired.
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