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Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, then you know how irresistible a good gyro can be! Bursting with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and that creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in a warm pita, this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is a must-try. Perfect for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner, this dish brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. And guess what? You can customize it to your liking!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make these delicious gyros at home, share some useful tips, and answer common questions that will make the whole process easier.
Tips for Making the Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros
- Marinate the Chicken for Full Flavor
For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 2 hours (overnight is best). The lemon juice, garlic, and oregano will tenderize the chicken, while the olive oil will give it that distinct Greek taste. - Use Authentic Greek Yogurt
For the tzatziki sauce, use full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich, creamy texture. It balances perfectly with the cucumber and garlic to create that refreshing flavor we all love in gyros. - Grill for Authenticity
A stovetop grill pan works wonders for getting that classic char on the chicken, but if you have a barbecue, take it outdoors for the best smoky flavor. - Warm the Pita
Heating your pita bread on a grill or skillet before assembling the gyros is a small touch that adds a lot of warmth and softness, making the whole experience more satisfying.
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill (or mint), finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 pita breads
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. - Grill the Chicken:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Remove from the heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. - Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use. - Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread on the grill or in a skillet. Place a layer of lettuce, tomato, and red onion on the pita. Add the sliced chicken and drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Fold the pita and enjoy!
Printable Recipe
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber grated and squeezed to remove water
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 pita breads
- Lettuce shredded
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Remove from the heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita bread on the grill or in a skillet. Place a layer of lettuce, tomato, and red onion on the pita. Add the sliced chicken and drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Fold the pita and enjoy!
Common Questions About Greek Chicken Gyros
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but chicken breasts are a leaner option. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly.
Q: What can I substitute if I don’t have Greek yogurt for the tzatziki?
A: You can use plain yogurt, but it won’t be as thick or creamy. To thicken it, strain the yogurt in a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess water.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Simply swap out the regular pita bread for a gluten-free version, or serve the chicken and veggies in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The chicken can be marinated the night before and cooked when ready. The tzatziki can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What sides go well with Greek Chicken Gyros?
A: Greek fries (with oregano and feta), a side salad with olives and feta, or even some hummus and pita chips would pair beautifully with gyros.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros are a game-changer when it comes to quick, flavorful meals. With a little bit of prep and some fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Greek restaurant. And the best part? You can easily customize the ingredients to your taste! Whether it’s adding more veggies, using whole wheat pita, or even serving it deconstructed on a plate, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
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