Looking for a dish that's savory, simple, and transports you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean? Here's an easy-to-make, delicious Chicken Gyros recipe for you. It's a classic Greek street food, wrapped in soft flatbread and packed with juicy, marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce.
Whether it's for a weekday dinner, a special weekend meal, or a festive feast with friends, this Chicken Gyros recipe hits all the right spots. Now, let's dive in and learn how to bring this delightful culinary adventure to your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, the real beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. With the basic components being chicken, flatbread, vegetables, and tzatziki, it is uncomplicated and easy to prep ahead. You marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight, making the cooking process a breeze. Moreover, you can customize it based on your dietary preferences and what's available in your pantry - opt for gluten-free bread, add in more veggies or choose your protein, it's all up to you.
Secondly, the Chicken Gyros offers a balanced, flavorful meal that brings together various textures and tastes in one wrap. The chicken is marinated with spices like garlic, oregano, and lemon juice, providing an authentic, tangy flavor. The tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, fresh contrast to the spiced chicken. Fresh, crunchy veggies add another layer of texture and taste, providing a refreshing crunch in every bite. Moreover, it's an excellent way to get in a balanced meal - protein from the chicken, carbs from the flatbread, and an assortment of nutrients from the veggies. All these factors make Chicken Gyros a recipe worth trying!
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts-We'll need about 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts for this recipe. Choose skinless, boneless cuts for best results. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs, which are often more flavorful and moist.
Greek Yogurt- Half a cup of Greek yogurt will be used for marinating the chicken. It helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors. Sour cream can be a good substitute.
Fresh Garlic- You will need 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is preferred over powdered for more intense and authentic taste, but if you're in a pinch, you can use half a teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
Lemon-We'll be using the juice from one fresh lemon. It adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients. If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use about two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.
Flatbread or Pita Bread- This is the traditional bread used for gyros. You'll need about 4-6 pieces, depending on their size. If you can't find these, feel free to use any soft bread you have available.
Tips
- Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the yogurt and spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful gyros.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken if possible. If not, you can cook it on the stove-top, but you'll miss that charred taste.
- Warm up your bread before serving. This can be done on a pan, oven or even directly on the stove flame for a few seconds.
- Don't forget to add a good amount of sauce! Gyros are typically enjoyed with tzatziki sauce, a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. You can easily make it at home or buy it from the store.
How to Serve
Chicken gyros are great as they are, but can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. Traditionally, they're garnished with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. Wrapping them in warm, fluffy pita bread makes them a hearty, handheld meal that's perfect for both lunch and dinner.
- Specific serving ideas include serving the gyros with a fresh Greek salad on the side. The crispness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the gyros nicely.
- Alternatively, you can serve them with a side of Greek potatoes or fries.
- Another fun idea is to create a gyro bar for parties or family meals, where everyone can build their own gyro with their favorite toppings.
Similar Recipes
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Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 4-6 pieces flatbread or pita bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
- Cook the chicken on a grill or in a pan over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Warm your bread and add the cooked chicken. Add your preferred toppings such as sliced onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the yogurt and spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful gyros.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken if possible. If not, you can cook it on the stove-top, but you'll miss that charred taste.
- Warm up your bread before serving. This can be done on a pan, oven or even directly on the stove flame for a few seconds.
- Don't forget to add a good amount of sauce! Gyros are typically enjoyed with tzatziki sauce, a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. You can easily make it at home or buy it from the store.