If you’re craving a dish that embodies bold flavors, freshness, and a touch of authenticity, look no further than my Chicken Gyros recipe! This delightful Greek dish is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that you can easily create in your kitchen. Picture tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, wrapped in warm, fluffy flatbreads, and complemented by a refreshing tzatziki sauce. It’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of Greece to your dining table and impress friends and family with your cooking prowess.

Authentic Chicken Gyros is not only about flavor; it’s also about simplicity and the joy of cooking from scratch. The process of marinating the chicken, making the flatbreads, and whipping up the tzatziki is straightforward and allows you to control every ingredient. This means you can adjust flavors to your preference, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Indulging in homemade Chicken Gyros presents an opportunity to create a wholesome meal with fresh ingredients. You can customize it with various toppings and sides, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, by preparing these gyros yourself, you avoid the preservatives and additives found in take-out options, giving you a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gyros

Authentic Flavors: Experience the taste of Greek cuisine with perfectly marinated chicken and traditional sauces.
Easy Preparation: Even as a beginner, you can follow this simple recipe to create a delicious meal.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, these gyros are both satisfying and healthy.
Perfect for Gathering: Serve these gyros at parties or family gatherings for a shareable and fun meal.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and sides to suit your taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delectable Chicken Gyros recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. You’ll need a good cutting board, a sharp knife for cutting the chicken, and a mixing bowl for marinating. A whisk will help blend the marinade well, while a griddle pan or grill is necessary for cooking the chicken and flatbreads. Make sure to have skewers ready for threading the chicken. Having a spatula or tongs handy will help in flipping items on the grill.

Prepare your ingredients in advance. Measure out the olive oil, dry oregano, red wine vinegar, garlic, and lemon to make the marinating process streamlined. For the flatbreads, ensure you have your flour and warm water measured before you start. Organizing your ingredients will help you maintain the flow while cooking, leading to a smoother process and an enjoyable cooking experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 large garlic clove (crushed)
Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
For the Flatbreads:
200g (7 oz) strong white bread flour
Large pinch of sea salt
100ml (5 1/2 tbsp) warm water
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1/4 English cucumber (grated)
125g (4 1/2 oz) natural yogurt
1/4 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp finely chopped fresh dill
Sea salt to taste
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
For Assembly:
Large handful of shredded lettuce
1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
Large handful of cherry tomatoes (roughly chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating your chicken to infuse it with rich flavors. In a medium bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and crushed garlic. Season this mixture generously with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Next, cut the chicken thighs into sizable chunks and immerse them in the marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, for enhanced flavor, you can let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Flatbread Dough

While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to bring the flatbreads to life. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour with a large pinch of sea salt. Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the warm water along with the olive oil. Using a fork, mix the ingredients until they start to form a dough. Once it comes together, switch to your hands to knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5 minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency. Cover the dough with kitchen wrap and set it aside to rest while you prepare the remaining components.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is a classic Greek accompaniment that perfectly complements the gyros. To make this refreshing sauce, start by grating the English cucumber and gently squeezing out any excess liquid. In a small bowl, mix the natural yogurt, garlic granules, finely chopped dill, and a pinch of sea salt. Fold in the grated cucumber and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the flavors. For best results, set the tzatziki aside in the fridge to chill while you continue with the recipe.

Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads

After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal halves. Roll out each piece into thin circles, ensuring they’re not too thick. Heat a griddle pan over high heat until it’s hot. Cook each flatbread for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they become golden brown and slightly puffed. Keep them warm by covering them with a towel as you complete this step with the remaining dough.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Once your flatbreads are ready, focus on grilling the chicken. Thread the marinated chunks of chicken onto skewers. Place the skewers onto the hot griddle pan and grill for approximately 5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it cooks through and develops that desirable charred, golden exterior. Once cooked, remove them from the skewers and let them rest briefly before assembling your gyros.

Variations

Protein: Substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or shrimp for varied flavors.
Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or black olives for a delightful twist.
Spices: Experiment with spices such as cumin or paprika in the marinade to create different flavor profiles.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to marinate the chicken long enough to enhance the flavors.
Keep an eye on the flatbreads while cooking to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal experience.
Offer additional toppings like feta cheese or olives to delight your guests.

Tips

For extra crispy flatbreads, cook them in a cast-iron skillet.
Keep leftover tzatziki sauce for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 900mg

FAQs

Can I prepare the flatbreads ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the flatbreads ahead of time, freeze them, and reheat them on a hot griddle when ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Chicken Gyros, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the flatbreads.

What can I use if I don’t have dill for the tzatziki?

If dill isn’t available, you can use fresh mint or even parsley for a unique flavor in your tzatziki sauce.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the marinade?

You can add chili flakes or pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick, adjusting the quantity to your heat preference.

Conclusion

Cooking Chicken Gyros from scratch is not just about making a meal; it’s a way to explore the delightful world of Greek cuisine right in your kitchen. This recipe is filled with flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds, making it a suitable choice for anyone seeking a delicious and wholesome dining option. Whether you choose to enjoy it with traditional accompaniments or customize it to your heart’s content, each bite will be a celebration of freshness and simplicity. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag it – there’s nothing better than seeing your cooking adventures unfold!