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Greek Chicken Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 23 reviews

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, served with a creamy and tangy charred onion feta sauce. Combined with fresh veggies and warm pita bread, it’s a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Greek Chicken

  • lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground cumin

For the Charred Onion Feta Sauce

  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 12 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • 46 warm pita breads
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • Extra parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Char the onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are softened and lightly charred. Remove half of the onions to use as garnish and let the rest cool slightly.
  3. Make the feta sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooled charred onions, crumbled feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped parsley or dill, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce if necessary, until it reaches a drizzleable consistency.
  4. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken thighs over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  5. Assemble the gyros: Warm the pita breads. Fill each pita with sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, reserved charred onions, and a generous drizzle of the charred onion feta sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, tangier marinade and sauce.
  • Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more juiciness and flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes on top for an extra layer of flavor and mild heat.
  • The charred onion feta sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with traditional sides like lemon roasted potatoes or a cucumber tomato salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, charred onion feta sauce, Mediterranean chicken recipe, grilled chicken gyros, Greek pita sandwich