When it comes to bringing a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, few recipes can captivate your senses like a Greek Chicken Gyro with Cucumber Tzatziki. Imagine juicy, well-marinated chicken draped over a bed of fresh, crisp veggies all encompassed in a warm, soft pita, with the tangy zing of tzatziki adding a cool, refreshing contrast. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with every bite, making it not only a savory treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. It carries the rustic charm of Greek cuisine—simple yet bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a small escape to the shores of Greece.
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are also nutritionally rewarding. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and the healthy fats from olive oil creates a balanced meal. The tzatziki, crafted from probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, brings a healthy dose of nutrition alongside its creamy texture. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch while offering hydration. Whether you’re gathering with friends or seeking a cozy family dinner option, these gyros can elevate the dining experience with minimal effort. Plus, with homemade elements like the marinated chicken and freshly prepared tzatziki, you are assured of both quality and taste, making this dish a stellar addition to your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Mediterranean flavors shine amazingly in this dish. Here’s why you’ll find it irresistible:
- Bursting with Flavor: The spicy, tangy, and creamy mix is addictive.
- Easy Preparation: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Nutritious: Packed with proteins and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Easily tweak ingredients to suit your dietary preference.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure that your Greek Chicken Gyros turn out perfectly, it’s essential to prepare your space and have the right tools on hand. Start by clearing your kitchen counter of any unnecessary items. This will give you enough room to lay out ingredients and work without clutter. Next, gather your tools: a good chef’s knife for slicing vegetables and chicken, a cutting board, mixing bowls for marinating and preparing tzatziki, and a grater for the cucumber. A non-stick skillet or grill pan will be needed for cooking the chicken, while a spatula will help with turning and slicing the meat smoothly.
Before you start with your ingredients, wash your vegetables thoroughly and set them aside to dry. Once dried, begin by grating your cucumber for the tzatziki and squeezing out excess juice to prevent a watery texture. Season your working environment by tidying up as you go along—this not only maintains organization but also makes the entire cooking process more enjoyable.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp vinegar
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- To Serve:
- 4 pita breads
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until ingredients are fully incorporated. Coat the chicken thighs evenly in this marinade, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Once coated, place the chicken in a sealed container or a zip-lock bag and refrigerate for at least one hour. The longer you marinate, the more flavors infuse into the chicken, enhancing its taste.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Cook each side of the chicken for about 5–6 minutes or until nicely browned and thoroughly cooked. Check for doneness and ensure juices run clear before removing from the heat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips, which helps lock in the juices.
Step 3: Preparing the Tzatziki
In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Place in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the gyros, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cool.
Step 4: Assembling the Gyros
Warm the pita breads either in a dry skillet or in a microwave for a few seconds. Once warmed, place shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and slices of red onion on each pita. Arrange the sliced chicken strips over the veggies, and generously top with tzatziki sauce. Fold the pita into a wrap, or serve it open-faced for easy eating.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken with lamb or beef, or use chickpeas for a vegetarian option without losing protein.
- Vegetables: Add sliced peppers or zucchini to give extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spices: Play with spices by adding ground cumin or coriander for an earthy flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
- Ensure the chicken is evenly cooked by maintaining a steady medium heat.
- Tzatziki can be prepared a day in advance for a richer taste.
- Use fresh pita for a soft and chewy texture that holds the filling well.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve gyros with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with homemade hummus and warm pita chips for a delightful appetizer.
Tips
- To save time, pre-chop vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Warm the pita bread gently to prevent it from drying out or turning tough.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 620mg per serving
FAQs
Can I make the marinade without lemon juice?
Yes, substituting lemon juice with lime or orange juice works well, though it’ll alter the tang slightly.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for tzatziki?
Plain yogurt serves as an excellent substitute, but beware the consistency may be thinner.
How do I avoid watery tzatziki?
Always grate and squeeze cucumber well to remove excess water before mixing.
Can these gyros be made in advance?
Prepping the components is advisable, but assembling them close to serving time keeps them fresh.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe not only brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table but also offers versatile enjoyment for any occasion. With its straightforward instructions and approachable ingredient list, it’s a fuss-free culinary adventure. Whether informal weeknight meals or entertaining guests, these gyros cater to both! Try personalizing your gyro with various veggies or spice adjustments for a touch of uniqueness. Dive into preparing them in your kitchen and let the refreshing and robust flavors captivate everyone. Share your experiences or variations in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to flex your culinary creativity!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe offers a taste of the Mediterranean with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp vinegar
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- To Serve:
- 4 pita breads
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until ingredients are fully incorporated. Coat the chicken thighs evenly in this marinade, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Cook each side of the chicken for about 5–6 minutes or until nicely browned and thoroughly cooked. Let the chicken rest before slicing into strips.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Warm the pita breads. Place shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and slices of red onion on each pita. Top with sliced chicken strips and tzatziki. Fold into a wrap or serve open-faced.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. Ensure even cooking by maintaining a consistent medium heat when grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Protein: 25 g