Chicken Gyros and Tzatziki Sauce

This recipe is for a great marinade for your chicken and an easy and flavorful sauce. With some pitas, cucumbers, feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, lettuce and thinly sliced red onion (or whatever toppings you like), it makes a fantastic gyro. Enjoy!

Chicken Gyros and Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients:

Chicken Marinade-

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Tzatziki Sauce-

• 1 medium English/seedless cucumber
• 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (extra thick – see note)
• 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 to 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• Pinch salt and pepper

Pita/Flatbread and Toppings-

• 6 pieces flatbread or pita bread
• Crumbled feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, olives, red onions, etc.

Directions:

1. For the chicken, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or up to 4 hours, but no longer.
2. For the tzatziki, shred the cucumber on the small holes of a box grater. Wrap the shredded cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and wring out excess liquid until the cucumber is very dry. You should have about 1/2 cup shredded cucumber.
3. Stir together all the tzatziki ingredients. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, or oven broiler to medium or medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes each side until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F inserted at the thickest part. Tent the chicken with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
5. To serve, slice the chicken and serve in flatbread or pita bread with tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, and other toppings, as desired.

Marsha's Notes:

You can spread the tzatziki sauce on your bread, but I also like to put some in a small cup and dip my sandwich instead.