Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Greek Flavor: The marinade with lemon, oregano, and garlic infuses the chicken with a delicious Greek-inspired taste.
- Healthy and Fresh: Packed with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, it’s a nutritious, light meal.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients, try lamb for a traditional touch, or use whole wheat pita for a healthier option.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you can prepare a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
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
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in a small bowl. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita rounds in a dry skillet or in the oven wrapped in foil. Once warm, lay each pita flat and add the cooked chicken. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, cucumber, crumbled feta, and parsley.
5. Add Tzatziki Sauce:
- Drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce over the filling, or spoon it generously on top.
6. Wrap and Serve:
- Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve immediately while warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
Variations
- Lamb Gyros: Swap chicken for lamb, marinate it the same way, and cook to your preferred doneness for a traditional gyro flavor.
- Veggie Gyros: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pita for added fiber and a healthier version.
Storage
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Tzatziki can be served cold or at room temperature.
- Freezing: The chicken can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months, but the tzatziki sauce doesn’t freeze well due to its yogurt base.
FAQs
1. Can I use lamb instead of chicken?
Yes! Lamb is a traditional gyro meat and can be marinated and cooked in the same way.
2. How do I prevent the pita from tearing?
Warm the pita before assembling—it makes it more pliable and less likely to tear.
3. Is there a dairy-free tzatziki option?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond milk yogurt for a dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
4. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
5. How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish that brings the taste of Greece right to your table. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki in warm pita is unbeatable, making this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful, healthy dish featuring juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make recipe offers authentic Greek flavor and can be customized to suit your preferences.
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 chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results). -
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. -
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita rounds in a dry skillet or in the oven wrapped in foil. Once warm, lay each pita flat and add the cooked chicken. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, cucumber, crumbled feta, and parsley. -
Add Tzatziki Sauce:
Drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce over the filling or spoon it generously on top. -
Wrap and Serve:
Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
For a more traditional gyro, swap the chicken for lamb and cook it to your preferred doneness.
For a vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms instead of chicken.
Use whole wheat pita for a healthier alternative with more fiber.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
