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Kalimera’s Famous Chicken Gyros: Easy Homemade Delight

This Kalimera’s Chicken Gyros recipe is all about layers of texture and flavor. The chicken is tender inside and lightly crispy outside. The sauce is creamy but fresh. The veggies add crunch. The pita brings it all together.

Benefits

High in protein
Balanced with veggies
Lower in oil than takeout

Small Info of the Whole Recipe

From marination to serving, the whole dish is ready in under 40 minutes and feels like a restaurant meal at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
For Assembly
  • 4 to 5 pita breads
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • Lettuce leaves

Method
 

  1. This is usually the first step taken at my place because this is where the flavour is created. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add in your chicken and rub in the marinade on every individual piece. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait a bit longer, it’ll be even better.
  2. In another bowl combine the yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Mix it up until it is uniform and smooth in consistency. This sauce is cool, tangy, and addictive. Set it in the fridge while the chicken cooks!
  3. Chop up your cucumber, tomato, onion, and lettuce. Make sure everything is nice and fresh and crisp. I always slice some extra because someone always craves the extra crunch
  4. Get a pan on the stove and heat it up on medium high. Add the marinated chicken and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on either side. There should be a nice light char on the outside and it should be juicy on the inside. Let it sit for 5 minutes after you remove the chicken from the heat and slice it up when it's done resting.
  5. While the chicken is resting you can warm the pita. You can use the same pan and warm each one for about 30 seconds a side. They should be soft and easy to fold!
  6. Take one flattened piece of pita bread. First, layer one to two slices of chicken. Then, add the diced cucumber, tomatoes, diced onions, and shredded lettuce. Finally, add a scoop of the yoghurt sauce.
  7. Wrap the pita sandwich as tight as possible and serve it as warm as possible. Once your family takes the first bite, enjoy the silence. That means you did a great job!