Ready in: 8 hours · Serves: 6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: 3 days in fridge.
Quick Answer
In this recipe, tender slow-cooked chicken thighs are paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, all served in warm pita for a delightful Mediterranean meal.
Living in New York City, especially around this time of year, I find myself drawn to the aromas of spice and warmth that fill the air. With Thanksgiving around the corner and the holiday season fast approaching, it feels like the perfect moment to embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean through food that brings everyone together. One dish that has become a staple in my kitchen is the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki. This recipe is not just about feeding your family; it's about sharing moments of joy and deliciousness.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously tender chicken thanks to the slow cooker method.
- Fresh, homemade tzatziki elevates the dish with vibrant flavors.
- Perfect for gatherings, bringing friends and family together.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and vegetables.
- Leftovers make for a great meal prep option!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki:
For the Greek Chicken:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (I recommend Fage for its creaminess)
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
For Assembly:
- Pita bread (store-bought, but if you're feeling adventurous, homemade is incredible)
- Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion
- Feta cheese, crumbled
How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that's perfect for family and friends.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, I combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The aroma is inviting! I then rub this fragrant marinade all over the chicken thighs-ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 2: Cook in Slow Cooker
I place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth, which gives the dish a lovely depth. I set my slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours, imagining the rich aromas wafting through my apartment.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki
While the chicken cooks, I whip up the tzatziki. In a separate bowl, I mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. As I stir, that refreshing smell of cucumber combined with garlic wafts up, making my mouth water.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, I carefully shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. It's fall-apart tender, which is just how I like it!
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
On warm pita bread, I layer the shredded chicken, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and pile on my favorite fresh veggies and feta cheese. It's a beautiful, colorful presentation that spells comfort in every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Chicken Breasts: Opt for thighs instead. They stay juicier during slow cooking, preventing dryness.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill makes a world of difference in the tzatziki! Don't rely solely on dried herbs.
- Overloading the Pita: I know it's tempting, but too many toppings make for messy eating. Stick to quality over quantity!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Feel free to prepare the chicken a day in advance. It only gets better with time!
- You can serve the gyros with a side of roasted potatoes or a Greek salad to round out the meal.
- For an extra kick, drizzle a little hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for lamb or beef for a different flavor profile.
- Use tzatziki made with different herbs like mint for a fresh twist.
- Substitute the pita with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How to Serve
- Layer on warm pita bread with shredded chicken and tzatziki.
- Add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion for crunch.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese for an added flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken marinade a day in advance to enhance flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Throughout my testing of this recipe, I discovered the beauty of patience-allowing the slow cooker to work its magic transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Plus, sharing these gyros with friends during the bustling NYC holiday season makes the meal even more special.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 gyro
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 30g protein · 40g carbs · 20g fat
Recipe by:
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth. Set to low for 6-7 hours.
- While the chicken cooks, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for the tzatziki sauce.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Assemble the gyros by layering shredded chicken, tzatziki, fresh veggies, and feta on warm pita bread.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
It's recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs remain juicier during slow cooking and help prevent dryness.
How can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It actually benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors meld together.
What side dishes pair well with Greek Chicken Gyros?
Roasted potatoes or a fresh Greek salad are excellent options to serve alongside Greek Chicken Gyros for a complete meal.
