Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greece right to your plate. Tender chicken marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices, topped with a creamy and refreshing tzatziki sauce, and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and crumbled feta cheese—this recipe is a Mediterranean feast that everyone will love. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing a gathering with friends, these gyros will quickly become a go-to meal.

This easy-to-make recipe offers a balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. The tzatziki sauce, made from creamy Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the flavorful chicken. The combination of fresh veggies and feta in the pita rounds out the dish, making each bite a burst of Mediterranean goodness. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients, making it a great option for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Deliciously Flavorful

The chicken is marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices, giving it a bold and flavorful taste that pairs perfectly with the cool tzatziki sauce.

2. Fresh Ingredients

With fresh veggies, feta cheese, and homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe brings bright, vibrant flavors to your plate that make it feel light and refreshing.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward to prepare, requiring simple ingredients and only a few steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the toppings and fillings to suit your preferences. Add more veggies, use a different protein, or even try different herbs in your tzatziki sauce.

5. Healthy and Wholesome

With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and Greek yogurt, this recipe is full of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, making it both filling and nutritious.

Ingredients

For The Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken breast, thinly sliced
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

For The Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt
• Cucumber, grated and drained
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh dill (or mint)
• Salt and pepper

For The Gyros:

• Pita bread rounds
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Chopped cucumber
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped parsley

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or falafel for a vegetarian alternative that’s just as tasty.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce to reduce the calorie count.
• Spicy Gyros: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken marinade or tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Additional Veggies: You can add roasted bell peppers, olives, or arugula for extra flavor and texture in your gyros.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for even more flavor.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill (or mint), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned on the edges.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread rounds in a dry skillet or oven for about 1-2 minutes, just until they’re soft and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Place the warm pita bread on a plate. Add a generous amount of cooked chicken, followed by a spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Fold the pita around the fillings, and your Greek Chicken Gyros are ready to enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate the Chicken Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours or overnight.
• Drain the Cucumber Well: To avoid watery tzatziki, make sure to drain the grated cucumber thoroughly.
• Grill the Chicken: If you have a grill, try grilling the chicken for a smoky, authentic flavor.
• Keep the Pita Warm: If you’re preparing multiple gyros, keep the pita bread wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm until serving.

How to Serve

• Serve your Greek Chicken Gyros with a side of crispy roasted potatoes, a Greek salad, or a bowl of hummus for a complete Mediterranean meal.
• Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before assembling your gyros.

Freezing

While the chicken and tzatziki can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. To freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To freeze the tzatziki sauce, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw both overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. The tzatziki sauce should be served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.

2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

3. Can I use a different type of bread instead of pita?

Yes, you can use flatbreads, wraps, or even lettuce wraps if you prefer a low-carb version.

4. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce, though homemade adds a fresher, more authentic flavor.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add chili flakes to the chicken marinade or mix some hot sauce into the tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.

6. Can I use a different herb in the tzatziki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute fresh mint for dill, or even use parsley for a slightly different flavor.

7. How do I prevent the tzatziki from being watery?

Be sure to thoroughly drain the grated cucumber to avoid excess water in the sauce.

8. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on a skillet?

Yes, grilling the chicken will give it a smoky flavor and crispy edges that are perfect for gyros.

9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel for a vegetarian version of the gyros.

10. How can I store the leftover pita bread?

Keep leftover pita bread in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the pita bread and reheat it when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. With its marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggie toppings, it’s a meal that delivers on taste, nutrition, and satisfaction. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a gathering, these gyros will become a family favorite that’s both wholesome and delicious.

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