If you love Greek food, then Greek Chicken Gyros are something you must try! I recently made these, and they turned out absolutely delicious. Marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy tzatziki sauce all wrapped up in a warm pita—what’s not to love?
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead, especially the marinating part. The flavors intensify overnight, and the end result is so satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular at your dinner table!
Ingredients You Will Need
To make the perfect Greek Chicken Gyros, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 pita flatbreads
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
For the tzatziki sauce:
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated English cucumber, squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Note: This recipe makes 6 servings.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to change up the flavors or cater to specific dietary needs, here are a few options:
- Dairy-Free: Swap out the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
- Sugar-Free: This recipe is already free from added sugars, making it a great option for anyone avoiding sugar.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick or a tablespoon of fresh parsley to the tzatziki for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Ziploc bag: For marinating the chicken.
- Grill: To cook the chicken and warm the pitas.
- Medium bowl: For preparing the tzatziki sauce.
- Grater: For grating the cucumber.
- Meat thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing the marinade. In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins and seal the bag. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight, for the best flavor infusion. Make sure to turn the bag occasionally to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook it for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s cooked through.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry to remove excess water), dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator to chill while you finish cooking the chicken.
Warm the Pitas and Assemble
Once the chicken is done cooking, it’s time to assemble your gyros. Warm the pita flatbreads on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side. Then, halve the pitas and fill them with the grilled chicken, shredded romaine lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and a generous amount of tzatziki sauce.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Greek chicken gyros immediately for the best experience. They’re perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- Tip 1: I recommend marinating the chicken overnight. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes!
- Tip 2: If you want the chicken to have a crispy edge, sear it in a hot pan before grilling.
- Tip 3: Fresh pita bread adds a wonderful texture, but if you’re short on time, store-bought pita will work just fine.
- Tip 4: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling your vegetables (like the onions and tomatoes) alongside the chicken.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros?
Greek Chicken Gyros can be served as a main course or as a fun appetizer for gatherings. Here are a few tips to make your presentation even more appealing:
- Serve the gyros with a side of crispy French fries or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or extra dill for added flavor and a pop of color.
- You can also serve the gyros with a side of hummus or a Greek salad for a Mediterranean feast.
Nutritional Information
This dish is a great source of protein and healthy fats. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
How to Store the Greek Chicken Gyros
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also warm the pita in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe will quickly become a favorite:
- Easy to make ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before and have everything ready to go the next day.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious meal for the whole family.
- Delicious: The combination of the marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki is simply irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to slice the chicken breasts into strips, so they cook evenly.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or regular skillet on the stovetop.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?
Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I make the gyros spicier?
To add a bit of spice, you can mix some chili flakes into the marinade or drizzle a little hot sauce on top of the finished gyros.
