A classic Greek-inspired dish, these chicken gyros feature juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a flavorful lunch or dinner, this recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Authentic flavors: The blend of oregano, lemon, and garlic in the marinade gives the chicken a traditional Greek taste.
- Healthy and fresh: Made with lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and Greek yogurt-based tzatziki, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Customizable: You can add or swap vegetables, use whole wheat pita, or even try it with lamb for a different twist.
- Easy to make: Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For the best results, marinate overnight. - Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. - Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread rounds by placing them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Once warm, lay each pita flat and place some cooked chicken in the center. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. - Add Tzatziki Sauce:
Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce over the top of the filling. - Wrap and Serve:
Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve immediately, while still warm, for the best flavor.
Helpful Tips:
- Marinating Tips: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Make It Healthier: Use whole wheat pita bread to add more fiber to the dish.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes on the chicken before cooking for a little extra kick.
- Cucumber Prep: Ensure you drain the grated cucumber well for the tzatziki to avoid a watery sauce. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out excess liquid.
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Mediterranean, Low-carb
Notes:
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh mint can be used in place of dill in the tzatziki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair the gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use lamb instead of chicken?
Yes, lamb is a traditional gyro meat and can be marinated the same way. Cook the lamb to your preferred doneness.
How do I keep the pita from tearing?
Warm the pita before assembling. Heating makes it more pliable and less likely to tear.
Is there a dairy-free tzatziki option?
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond milk yogurt.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The tzatziki can be used cold or at room temperature.
- Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the tzatziki sauce does not freeze well due to the yogurt base. Freeze the chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other Greek-inspired dishes:
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a versatile and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your home. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Greek flavors or just looking for a new favorite, this recipe is sure to impress.
PrintGreek Chicken Gyros
Description
A classic Greek-inspired dish, these chicken gyros feature juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a flavorful lunch or dinner, this recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For the best results, marinate overnight. - Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. - Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread rounds by placing them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Once warm, lay each pita flat and place some cooked chicken in the center. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. - Add Tzatziki Sauce:
Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce over the top of the filling. - Wrap and Serve:
Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve immediately, while still warm, for the best flavor.
Notes
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh mint can be used in place of dill in the tzatziki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair the gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.