Welcome to our flavorful meals section! Today, we’re sharing a delicious recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros. This dish features tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in soft pita bread. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean cloth or paper towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Grill or Skillet: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
- Warm Pita Breads: Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet until they are pliable and slightly toasted.
- Assemble Gyros: Place a generous amount of sliced chicken on each pita bread. Top with sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, fresh lettuce, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken gyros immediately while everything is fresh and warm. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: For the most flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Make sure to drain the cucumber well to avoid a watery sauce. You can also use fresh mint instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
- Pita Bread: If you can’t find pita bread, you can use flatbreads or naan as a substitute.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Gyros
Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl
Serve the marinated chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce over a bed of rice or quinoa instead of pita bread for a gyro bowl.
Vegetarian Gyros
Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros
Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, mint, and cilantro to the chicken marinade for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the chicken and assemble the gyros just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What can I serve with these gyros?
These gyros pair well with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber salad.
How can I make the gyros gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita bread or serve the ingredients over a bed of lettuce for a gluten-free option.
These Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones!
