Speedy Chicken Gyros Smash Tacos
A vibrant fusion dish combining the beloved flavors of Greek chicken gyros with the popular 'smash' technique for tacos, creating a quick and incredibly satisfying meal. Enjoy crispy chicken, fresh toppings, and a tangy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt for tzatziki
- 0.25 cup cucumber finely grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice for tzatziki
- Salt to taste for tzatziki
- Pepper to taste for tzatziki
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup shredded lettuce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Smash Tacos: Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed. Place a portion of the marinated chicken onto the hot skillet (about 1/8th of the total chicken for each taco). Immediately place a tortilla on top of the chicken and press down firmly with a spatula or another heavy pan to 'smash' the chicken thin against the tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and crispy, and the tortilla is lightly browned.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the taco so the chicken side is facing up. Cook for another 30 seconds to warm the tortilla, if desired. Remove from skillet and repeat with the remaining chicken and tortillas.
- Assemble: To assemble each taco, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto the chicken-lined tortilla. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best smash effect, use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan and a sturdy spatula. Marinade the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, for deeper flavor. Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite Mediterranean or Mexican additions like feta cheese, olives, or pickled jalapeños.