Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. Marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, is paired with a refreshing and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in soft pita bread with crunchy veggies and crumbled feta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a casual gathering, or even a fun and interactive dinner experience where everyone can build their own gyros. With vibrant flavors and easy-to-follow steps, Greek Chicken Gyros are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The key to this recipe lies in the marinade for the chicken. The lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with deep, savory flavors while keeping it tender and juicy. Tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, is a tangy, refreshing accompaniment that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken. Served with fresh veggies and creamy feta, these gyros are a well-rounded, satisfying meal that’s light yet filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Flavorful

The combination of the herby, citrusy chicken and the tangy tzatziki sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that are bright and refreshing.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly and is simple to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the toppings and fillings to your preference, adding or removing ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or avocado.

4. Healthy and Balanced

With lean chicken, Greek yogurt, fresh veggies, and whole-grain pita, this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it both delicious and nutritious.

5. Fun and Interactive

Building your own gyro is a fun experience, especially for families or gatherings, allowing everyone to customize their meal exactly the way they like it.

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
• Chopped 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

1. Use Lamb: For a more traditional gyro experience, you can substitute the chicken with lamb for a richer flavor.
2. Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, add sliced avocado to your gyro.
3. Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use falafel or grilled veggies as the base for a vegetarian gyro.
4. Spicy Option: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to your gyro for some extra heat.
5. Grilled Veggies: Incorporate grilled veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill (or mint), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

While the chicken is resting, warm the pita bread rounds on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side until soft and slightly charred.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

To assemble, lay the warm pita bread flat and layer on a few strips of the grilled chicken. Top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce, followed by chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the gyros immediately, either wrapped or open-faced, and enjoy the fresh, flavorful combination of ingredients.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so be sure to check the internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) or use a meat thermometer.
• Drain the Cucumber: Be sure to drain the grated cucumber well before adding it to the tzatziki sauce to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
• Make Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
• Grill the Veggies: If you like grilled veggies, try grilling some zucchini, bell peppers, or red onions alongside the chicken for a more robust flavor.
• Add Extra Flavor: Try adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the assembled gyros for added richness and brightness.

How to Serve

Greek Chicken Gyros can be served as a main dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or even a light quinoa salad. They can also be enjoyed as part of a Mediterranean platter with hummus, olives, and pita bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken or tzatziki sauce, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and serve the tzatziki sauce cold.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze the assembled gyros, you can freeze the marinated chicken or tzatziki sauce separately. Freeze the chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months, and the tzatziki sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken on the stove in a pan over medium heat until heated through. Serve the tzatziki sauce cold alongside.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will be even more tender and juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer than breasts.

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

Yes, tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will even improve after sitting for a few hours.

3. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

While homemade tzatziki is always best, you can certainly use store-bought tzatziki sauce if you’re short on time.

4. Can I use lamb for this recipe?

Absolutely! Lamb is a traditional meat used in gyros, and it would pair wonderfully with the tzatziki sauce.

5. Can I make these gyros gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free alternative to regular pita bread.

6. How do I get the chicken to be tender?

Marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

7. How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the chicken or tzatziki sauce if you prefer some heat.

8. Can I use a different herb for the tzatziki?

While dill is the most traditional herb used in tzatziki, you can substitute fresh mint or even parsley if you prefer a different flavor.

9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with falafel or grilled vegetables.

10. Can I use a different type of bread?

If you don’t have pita bread, you can use flatbreads, wraps, or even tortillas as an alternative.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender marinated chicken, a creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in warm pita bread, these gyros are the epitome of Mediterranean comfort food. Whether you’re serving them for a quick dinner or a casual gathering, Greek Chicken Gyros are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and create a meal that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite!

Print