Greek Chicken Gyros are a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Greece right to your kitchen. Marinated chicken, paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce and crisp, fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a soft pita bread, create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner party, these gyros will impress everyone at the table. Best of all, they’re easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Fresh and Flavorful
The combination of tangy lemon, garlic, and oregano in the marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors, while the creamy tzatziki sauce adds a cool and refreshing contrast.
2. Customizable
You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add more garlic, swap out the veggies, or even use a different protein, like lamb or beef, if you prefer.
3. Light and Healthy
With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a yogurt-based sauce, this recipe is light yet filling. It’s a great choice for a healthy lunch or dinner option.
4. Quick to Prepare
The marinade takes only a few minutes to prepare, and the gyros come together in about 30 minutes, making them a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
5. Great for Meal Prep
These gyros are great for meal prep. The chicken can be marinated and cooked in advance, and the tzatziki sauce and vegetables can be prepared ahead of time, making it easy to assemble when you’re ready to eat.
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
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ 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
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Gyros: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Gyros: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Greek Beef Gyros: Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken for a different take on this classic dish.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, swap the pita bread for lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill (or mint), salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita bread rounds in the skillet or oven for a few seconds, just until they are soft and pliable. Then, place each pita on a plate and layer with a generous portion of cooked chicken. Top with chopped tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 5: Serve
Wrap the gyros and serve immediately. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors of Greece in every bite!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy, cook it just until it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber: Be sure to drain the cucumber after grating it to avoid excess moisture in the tzatziki sauce, which could make it runny.
- Customize the Toppings: You can add olives, pickled onions, or fresh greens like spinach or arugula for extra flavor.
- Make the Tzatziki Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.
How to Serve
These Greek Chicken Gyros are perfect for serving with a side of roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or a fresh Mediterranean quinoa salad. They also pair wonderfully with a light white wine or chilled iced tea for a refreshing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The chicken can be reheated in a skillet or microwave, and the tzatziki sauce can be enjoyed cold.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy the gyros fresh, the marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking. Simply freeze the marinated chicken in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook as instructed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a bit of olive oil if necessary to keep it moist. Warm the pita bread briefly in the oven or on a grill pan.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without olive oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with another oil, such as vegetable or avocado oil, though olive oil adds a unique Mediterranean flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?
Greek yogurt is best for its thick, creamy texture, but you can use regular yogurt or non-dairy alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt if you prefer.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours for a more intense taste.
4. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce, though homemade has a fresher, more authentic taste.
5. Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor to the gyros. Just be sure to grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I use whole wheat pita bread?
Yes, whole wheat pita bread is a great, healthier option and will still hold all the delicious ingredients.
7. How do I store leftover gyros?
Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. You can reassemble the gyros when ready to eat.
8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, for a delicious vegetarian version.
9. What can I serve with gyros?
Gyros are great on their own, but you can serve them with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or couscous for a more filling meal.
10. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious, light, and healthy meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table. With juicy marinated chicken, a creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in a soft pita, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for customizing to your taste. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight any time you crave something flavorful and satisfying!