One of the first things I learned how to make when I started living on my own was a chicken gyro. It has always been a favorite thing of mine to order out, especially when I want something light and flavorful. Recreating it at home turned out to be easier than I expected, and it is in my regular recipe rotation. I’ve done a twist on the classic recipe here, and made Chicken Gyro Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce.
What Is A Chicken Gyro?
A gyro is a Greek wrap traditionally made with chicken or lamb meat that’s been cooked in a mixture of spices and served in pita bread. They are traditionally topped with tzatziki, tomato’s, cucumber, and onion. I’ve taken that concept, and turned it into a skewer. Handheld food is fun, and this is an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs – Boneless skinless chicken thighs are affordable and flavorful
- Greek yogurt – This tangy yogurt tenderizes and flavors the meat.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic packs a punch and is a staple ingredient in Greek food.
- Lemon- Fresh citrus rounds out the ingredients, and adds a brightness to the meat.
How To Make Chicken Gyro Skewers
Gather your ingredients
Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and dice into 1 inch pieces.
Season with salt and pepper
In a large bowl, add Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, and red wine.
Give it a good stir, and add chicken to yogurt marinade.
Thread chicken onto skewers, packing it tightly.
Heat grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Once hot, and 2 tbsp of neutral cooking oil. Add chicken skewers to hot grill.
Cook Chicken Gyro skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Once skewers are cooked thru, remove from heat, and serve immediately with Lemon Yogurt sauce.
Chicken Gyro Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar or red wine
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs. Chop into 1 inch pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl mix yogurt, lemon, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar.
- Add chicken to yogurt mixture and coat completely. Let chicken sit in marinade for at least 15 minutes.
- Take chicken and thread onto skewers, tightly packing it.
- Heat a grill pan or large griddle over medium high heat,
- Add chicken skewers and cook about 15 -20 minutes, turning chicken halfway. Chicken should be evenly browned and crispy.
- Serve immediately with lemon yogurt sauce.
Lemon Yogurt sauce
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Serve immediately along side chicken gyro skewers.
Notes
- Any style of greek yogurt is fine. Full fat,2% , or 0%.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs. These tend to dry out quicker, so leave them in the marinade for at least an hour if substituting.
- I used reusable metal skewers. If using wooden skewers soak in water for 1 hr to prevent burning.
- This dish can be served as a main course for 2-3 people, or as an appetizer for a crowd.
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW