Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a mouthwatering Mediterranean recipe that is bound to please everyone at your dining table. Bursting with flavor, these gyros are made with juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a delightful mix of garlic, lemon, and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in warm pita bread. The cool and creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch, balancing the bold flavors perfectly. Ideal for any occasion, this dish is not only attractive but also simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both lunch and dinner gatherings.
The best part about Greek Chicken Gyros is their versatility. You can easily customize the fillings and toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick meal for busy weeknights or host a festive gathering, this recipe can easily adapt to your needs. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Gyros
- Flavorful: The combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and vibrant tzatziki creates a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: Whether you want extra vegetables, or a spicy kick, you can easily adjust the ingredients.
- Healthy: Made with lean protein and fresh veggies, this recipe is a nutritious option for any meal.
- Quick to Prepare: Can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious Greek Chicken Gyros recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by ensuring you have a clean workspace. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the marinade, a ziplock bag or bowl for marinating the chicken, and a separate bowl for mixing the tzatziki sauce. Invest in a good quality grater for the cucumbers and a sharp knife for cutting the chicken and vegetables. A grill or skillet is necessary for cooking the chicken; if using a skillet, ensure it has a non-stick surface for optimal results.
It’s recommended to have measuring spoons and cups ready to ensure the accuracy of your ingredient proportions. While you can use fresh herbs, dried oregano will work just as well and is often more convenient. Remember that the key to great gyros lies in allowing the chicken to marinate, so set aside enough time for that—this step is crucial for infusing your meat with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 1½ tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Tzatziki:
- 2 cucumbers, grated and drained
- 1¼ cups Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salad:
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- To Serve:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
To kick off this delicious Greek Chicken Gyros, start by preparing the marinade. In a ziplock bag, combine the minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined perfectly. This marinade will act as the flavor base for the chicken, enhancing its taste during grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now, add the chicken thighs to the marinade bag. Seal the bag and massage it gently, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the mixture. For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 12 hours if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more robust the flavors will be.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumbers and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the drained cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Set this sauce aside in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld—this will cool and freshen your gyros!
Step 4: Prepare the Salad
Next, combine your salad ingredients. In another bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad will add a vibrant crunch to your gyros.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This quick cooking preserves the juiciness and flavor of the chicken.
Step 6: Rest and Slice the Chicken
After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender. Slice the chicken into thin strips, which will make it easy to layer inside the pita.
Step 7: Assemble the Gyros
Now comes the fun part—assembling your gyros! Warm up the pita breads for a few seconds on the grill or a dry skillet. Lay the warm pita flat and layer it with the salad mixture, followed by the sliced chicken, and generous spoonfuls of the tzatziki sauce in the center.
Step 8: Wrap and Serve
Wrap the pita carefully around the fillings and secure it with parchment paper or foil to help hold everything together. Serve the gyros immediately—these Greek treats are best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers, olives, or shredded carrots for an extra crunch and flavor diversity.
- Spices: Enhance flavors by adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat in the tzatziki or marinade.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your chicken is evenly coated in marinade for maximum flavor absorption.
- For an authentic experience, consider using homemade pita bread.
- Let the tzatziki chill longer for more intense flavors.
- Always check the grill temperature before cooking to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh Greek salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
- Serve with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor in your chicken and salad.
- For meal prep, marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- To make it gluten-free, opt for lettuce wraps instead of pita breads.
- Experiment with different yogurt bases (like coconut yogurt) for unique flavors.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 740mg
FAQs
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use regular yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
Can I prepare the meal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day ahead for easy assembly later.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Just ensure it’s well-sealed in an airtight bag and thaw before cooking.
How can I make my gyros spicier?
Consider adding spices like cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade or tzatziki to give it an extra kick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors, textures, and aromas that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. Whether for a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these gyros are sure to steal the show. I encourage you to try making this dish and share with us your own variations or any tips you discover along the way. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and tell us about your gyros experience or how you added your unique twist!
Print
Delicious Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a mouthwatering Mediterranean recipe that is bound to please everyone at your dining table.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 1½ tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Tzatziki:
- 2 cucumbers, grated and drained
- 1¼ cups Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salad:
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- To Serve:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
Instructions
- To kick off this delicious Greek Chicken Gyros, start by preparing the marinade. In a ziplock bag, combine the minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined perfectly.
- Now, add the chicken thighs to the marinade bag. Seal the bag and massage it gently, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the mixture. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumbers and drain them thoroughly. In a bowl, mix drained cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside in the fridge.
- Combine your salad ingredients in another bowl: diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Warm up the pita breads on the grill or skillet. Layer the warm pita with the salad mixture, sliced chicken, and tzatziki sauce.
- Wrap the pita carefully around the fillings and secure with parchment paper or foil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure your chicken is evenly coated in marinade for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Protein: 36 g