Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines marinated grilled chicken with fresh vegetables, tangy tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread. This classic Greek street food is perfect for a quick and healthy meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create authentic and mouthwatering chicken gyros at home.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros Assembly:

• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
   • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together.
3. Grill the Chicken:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
   • Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
   • Warm the pita breads or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1 minute per side until they are soft and pliable.
   • Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce down the center of each pita.
   • Add the grilled chicken strips on top of the tzatziki sauce.
   • Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, shredded lettuce, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve:
   • Fold the pita bread around the fillings and serve the chicken gyros immediately.

Tips:

• Marinade Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marinating yields the best results.
• Tzatziki Tip: Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives to customize your gyros.

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delightful and healthy meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table. With tender marinated chicken, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, these gyros are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of ingredients wrapped in warm pita bread, and savor the taste of homemade Greek cuisine!