Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Chicken Gyros is a beloved Greek dish that wraps tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce in a warm pita bread. With its burst of Mediterranean flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has gained popularity worldwide. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of preparing this incredible dish. From marinating the chicken to making the perfect tzatziki sauce, we’ll cover everything, ensuring that your experience is as authentic and delicious as possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying out Mediterranean cuisine for the first time, this recipe is designed to be approachable, satisfying, and informative. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips 🍗
• 3 tbsp olive oil 🌿
• 2 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp dried oregano 🌿
• 1 tsp ground cumin 🌶️
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt 🥛
• 1/2 cucumber, grated 🥒
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🌿
• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped 🌿
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

For Serving

• 4 pita breads 🥙
• Sliced tomatoes 🍅
• Sliced red onions 🧅
• Chopped lettuce 🥬
• Feta cheese (optional) 🧀

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Serving Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: Serves 4

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Chicken Gyros

1. Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is one of the most important steps in making juicy, flavorful gyros. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

1. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Take 500 grams of chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips. The strips should be about 1-2 inches thick to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Make sure every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, allow it to marinate for up to 2 hours for the flavors to fully develop.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce that adds freshness to the gyros. Making it from scratch is easy, and the flavor is incomparable to store-bought versions.

1. Grate the Cucumber: Take half a cucumber and grate it using a box grater. Once grated, place the cucumber in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. This step prevents the tzatziki from being too watery.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, add 1 cup of Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The tzatziki sauce gets better with time, so if you can, make it ahead of time and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it to golden perfection:

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use an outdoor grill for added smoky flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

4. Warm the Pita Bread

A warm, soft pita makes all the difference in creating the perfect gyro:

1. Heat the Pita: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place each pita bread on the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can wrap the pitas in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
2. Keep Warm: To keep the pita warm and pliable, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel until you’re ready to assemble the gyros.

5. Assemble the Chicken Gyros

Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble these delicious gyros:

1. Layer the Ingredients: Lay a warm pita bread flat. Place a few strips of cooked chicken in the center of the pita.
2. Add Vegetables: Top with sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and chopped lettuce. These vegetables add color, crunch, and freshness to the dish.
3. Add Tzatziki: Spoon a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Optional Feta: If you love cheese, sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for that extra Greek flavor.
5. Wrap: Fold the sides of the pita over the filling to create a wrap. You can also use parchment paper to hold the gyro together for easier handling.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken gyros immediately with a side of Greek salad, lemon potatoes, or even some extra tzatziki for dipping. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Gyros

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, lemon juice, and good quality olive oil are key to achieving authentic flavors. The freshness of ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste.
• Marinate Longer: If possible, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours or even overnight for deeper, more developed flavors.
• Avoid Watery Tzatziki: Make sure to remove as much liquid from the cucumber as possible before adding it to the yogurt. A watery tzatziki will make the gyro soggy.
• Warm the Pita Bread: Heating the pita before assembling makes it more pliable and enhances the texture of the final dish.
• Serve Immediately: Chicken gyros are best served fresh. The pita will stay soft, and the ingredients will be at their peak flavor.

Benefits of Eating Chicken Gyros

1. Rich in Protein

Chicken gyros are a great source of protein due to the marinated chicken. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. Each serving provides a balanced amount of protein to fuel your day.

2. Healthy Fats

The use of olive oil in the marinade and tzatziki sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health and reduce bad cholesterol levels.

3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

The fresh vegetables in the gyros, such as tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that help boost your immune system.

4. Digestive Benefits

Tzatziki sauce, made from Greek yogurt, contains probiotics that are beneficial for gut health. These probiotics aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system.

FAQs about Chicken Gyros

1. Can I Make Chicken Gyros Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare some components of chicken gyros ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The tzatziki sauce can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge for 1-2 days. When ready to serve, cook the chicken, warm the pita, and assemble the gyros.

2. Can I Freeze Chicken Gyros?

It’s best to freeze the cooked chicken separately. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a skillet. Avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce, as it may become watery once thawed.

3. What Can I Serve with Chicken Gyros?

Chicken gyros pair well with various sides, including:

• Greek salad (made with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta)
• Lemon potatoes
• Oven-baked fries with oregano
• Hummus and pita chips
• Roasted vegetables

4. Can I Make Chicken Gyros Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! You can make gluten-free chicken gyros by using gluten-free pita bread or serving the marinated chicken and tzatziki over a salad instead of in a pita wrap.

5. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki sauce should also be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce is an incredibly flavorful and versatile dish that brings the taste of Greece right to your table. This guide has walked you through every step of creating a delicious and authentic chicken gyro, from marinating the chicken to assembling the wrap. With fresh ingredients, well-balanced flavors, and a bit of Mediterranean magic, this recipe will become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a way to impress guests with a taste of Greek cuisine, chicken gyros are the perfect choice. Enjoy this Greek classic and bring the flavors of the Mediterranean into your home!

Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sides to make the recipe your own. And remember, the secret to the perfect gyro is in the marinade and the tzatziki sauce—so don’t skimp on the freshness and quality of your ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure!