Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
If you have been craving a dish that bursts with fresh flavors and brings a little sunshine from the Mediterranean straight to your plate, then this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe will be your new favorite. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in bright lemon and aromatic herbs meets the cool, creamy tang of homemade tzatziki sauce and all the vibrant fixings, nestled in soft pita bread. This is a dish that captures the very essence of Greek street food, making dinner at home feel like a festive celebration every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the herbs that bring aromatic depth to the fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness, every component matters.
- Chicken breast, 1 lb, thinly sliced: The star protein that absorbs all the marinade flavors perfectly for juicy results.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon: Adds richness and helps keep chicken moist, plus a drizzle in the tzatziki for silkiness.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon: Provides the signature tang that wakes up the chicken and sauce alike.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Infuses both marinade and sauce with a pungent, savory punch.
- Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: Classic Greek herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle earthiness and warmth in the chicken marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all flavors.
- Greek yogurt, 1 cup: Rich and creamy base for the tzatziki sauce, offering a cooling contrast.
- Cucumber, 1/2 grated and drained plus 1/2 cup chopped: Fresh crunch for gyro fillings and creaminess when grated into the sauce.
- Chopped fresh dill or mint, 1 tablespoon: Herbaceous note that brightens the tzatziki.
- Pita bread rounds, 4: Soft and warm carrier for the delicious fillings.
- Chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup: Juicy sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
- Sliced red onions, 1/2 cup: Adds sharpness and textural contrast.
- Crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup: Salty, creamy, and quintessentially Greek addition.
- Chopped parsley, 1/4 cup: Fresh herbaceous finish to brighten every bite.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast and toss until each piece is beautifully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — though if you can plan ahead and let it marinate overnight, you’ll get even more intense flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix the creamy Greek yogurt with grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and freshly chopped dill (or mint, if you prefer). Stir everything until smooth and season generously with salt and pepper. Chill this refreshing sauce until it’s time to assemble the gyros. It really brings a cooling, garlicky zip that contrasts the warm spices in the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat—hot enough to get a lovely sear but not so hot that the chicken burns. Lay the marinated chicken slices carefully on the pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing it into strips. This resting step keeps your chicken juicy and tender, just like it should be in any authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm your pita rounds gently in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. This makes them pliable and perfect for wrapping. Lay out each pita flat and layer the chicken strips on top. Add chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Each topping contributes to a complex texture and fresh flavor that lights up the whole sandwich.
Step 5: Add Tzatziki Sauce and Serve
Now, the best part: drizzling or spooning that luscious tzatziki sauce over the fillings generously. Fold your pita to create a snug wrap around all the goodies, and your Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is ready to be devoured. Serve it immediately while everything is warm and fresh to get the ultimate flavor experience.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe even more. Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or dill for color and aromatic flair. A few slices of lemon on the side invite your guests to add a fresh squeeze of brightness just before eating.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider simple, complementary sides like crispy Greek fries seasoned with oregano, or a fresh Greek salad loaded with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tangy feta. These sides keep the Mediterranean theme alive and balance the hearty gyros perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress up your Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe for a party or casual gathering, serve the fillings deconstructed allowing guests to build their own gyros. Present each element in small bowls on a platter with warm pita bread so everyone tailors their perfect wrap. This interactive style is both fun and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the cooked chicken, tzatziki sauce, and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This separation preserves texture and flavor, preventing soggy pita or watery sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking or the cooked chicken itself. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, and use within 2 to 3 months for best quality. Avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce as the texture changes, but you can always make a fresh batch easily.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Warm your pita bread separately to keep it soft and pliable. Add fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce just before serving to maintain that fresh, vibrant taste your Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is celebrated for.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is preferred for its lean texture and quick cooking time, you can also use boneless thighs for a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce?
Traditional tzatziki calls for thick Greek yogurt to achieve that creamy texture and tang. If you need a substitute, try plain strained yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt to accommodate dietary needs, but keep in mind the flavor might be slightly different.
How long can the marinated chicken be stored before cooking?
For optimum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the acidity from the lemon juice may start to break down the texture too much.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, and follow the same assembly method. The tzatziki and fresh veggies will still make a delicious vegetarian gyro.
What is the best way to warm pita bread for gyros?
Warming pita on a dry skillet for a minute or two per side is quick and enhances flexibility. Alternatively, wrapping in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes works well for multiple pitas at once.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe that brings people together, combining tender, fragrant chicken with bright, fresh accompaniments and creamy tzatziki sauce in a warm pita. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s fun to prepare and delightful to eat. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken breast cooked to golden perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, crumbled feta, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners.
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, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop; marinating overnight will yield the best taste.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill or mint. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve to enhance flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken slices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips suitable for filling the gyros.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread rounds in a dry skillet or by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven until soft and pliable. Lay each warmed pita flat and evenly distribute the cooked chicken strips. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley for a burst of fresh flavors.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce: Generously drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients on each pita, or spoon it on top to your preference, ensuring every bite is creamy and refreshing.
- Wrap and Serve: Carefully fold the pita around the fillings creating a wrap. Serve the gyros immediately while warm for the best taste and enjoyment.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or mint to enhance the tzatziki’s flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier gyro.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
