Homemade Chicken Gyros Meat Tower

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious homemade chicken gyros meat tower, inspired by the video from ThatDudeCanCook. You'll learn how to marinate chicken, prepare tzatziki sauce, and assemble your gyros. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by gathering all ingredients for the marinade. Here’s what you need:

• 4 pounds of chicken thighs (pounded out)
• 6 garlic cloves (microplaned)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

For a refreshing tzatziki sauce, you will need:

• 1/2 English cucumber (small dice)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• 2 cloves of garlic (microplaned)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, microplaned garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until well mixed.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the marinated chicken either on a grill or a portable gas cooker.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

Gather your ingredients for assembly, including:

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Shredded lettuce
• Tzatziki sauce

Instructions:

1. Warm the pita bread on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
2. Place sliced chicken in the center of the pita.
3. Top with sliced tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce.
4. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
5. Roll the pita to enclose the filling and enjoy!

Conclusion

You’ve successfully made a homemade chicken gyros meat tower! This recipe is versatile; you can customize the toppings and sauces to your liking. Enjoy your delicious gyros, and consider trying variations like lamb or beef for different flavors. Happy cooking!