Greek Chicken Gyros is a delicious and satisfying dish that features tender, marinated chicken served in a warm pita with fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and flavorful seasonings. Gyros are a beloved street food in Greece, often made with lamb, pork, or chicken, and they offer a great balance of protein, fresh veggies, and rich sauces. Greek chicken gyros are a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative to the classic version, offering a healthy and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
The History of Ingredients
- Gyros: The word “gyros” is derived from the Greek word for “turn” or “revolution,” referring to the way the meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Gyros are a modern Greek dish inspired by the Turkish döner kebab and the Middle Eastern shawarma, which also feature meat cooked on a rotating spit.
- Chicken: In Greece, chicken is often used as a lighter alternative to lamb or pork in gyros, making it a more accessible option in terms of both flavor and health.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki is a classic Greek yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like dill and mint. It has a refreshing, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is the traditional wrap used to hold the fillings. It’s a soft, slightly chewy flatbread that holds the ingredients together while providing a mild flavor that complements the spiced chicken.
- Seasonings and Herbs: Greek cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, along with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. These ingredients give gyros their distinctive, aromatic flavor.
Breakdown of Ingredients
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, which are marinated to infuse flavor before being grilled or roasted.
- Marinade: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper make up the marinade for the chicken, creating a flavorful base.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, dill, and mint (optional) create a cool, creamy sauce that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Pita: Soft, warm pita bread holds the chicken and toppings together.
- Toppings: Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers add crunch and freshness, while olives or feta cheese can be added for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (strained, preferably full-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For assembly:
- 4-6 pita bread rounds (soft, pocket-style)
- Fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, etc.)
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Kalamata olives (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken into strips or small pieces, and toss it in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, and salt and pepper.
- Mix everything well and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, preheat it.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan or grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden brown exterior. You can also cook it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Warm the Pita:
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven until soft and slightly warm.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Place the warm pita on a plate and add a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce in the center.
- Layer the cooked chicken on top, followed by your choice of fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, onion, lettuce).
- Garnish with feta cheese and Kalamata olives, if desired.
- Fold the pita around the fillings to create a wrap.
- Serve:
- Serve the Greek chicken gyros immediately while they’re hot, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros
- Marinate the Chicken Well: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. For best results, marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight.
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt for Tzatziki: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes for a creamier and richer tzatziki sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat yogurt.
- Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the gyros. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can work just as well.
- Toppings: The classic toppings for gyros are tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce, but you can also add roasted vegetables, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Keep the Pita Warm: Warm pitas are easier to fold and hold the fillings better, so be sure to heat them up just before assembling the gyros.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Gyros: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms. You could also use falafel or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian or vegan option.
- Spicy Gyros: Add some heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce into the tzatziki sauce or on top of the chicken.
- Greek Salad Gyros: For a lighter version, add a mixture of Greek salad ingredients like olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta on top of the chicken.
- Lamb Gyros: For a more traditional flavor, substitute the chicken with lamb. Lamb pairs exceptionally well with the aromatic tzatziki and Mediterranean spices.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
- Calories: Greek chicken gyros can be a healthy meal option depending on the ingredients used. Chicken provides lean protein, and the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The tzatziki sauce, while creamy, is made from Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and probiotics.
- Fat: To keep the fat content in check, use lean chicken breasts instead of thighs and opt for low-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce. Avoid heavy amounts of oil in the cooking process.
- Carbs: Pita bread contains carbohydrates, so for a lower-carb version, consider using a lettuce wrap instead of pita, or opting for a low-carb pita.
- Sodium: If you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the feta and olives, which can be high in salt. You can use a lower-sodium feta or omit the olives to reduce the sodium content.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will develop more as it sits, so it’s even better after a few hours.
Q2: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and will work well, though chicken thighs provide a juicier and more flavorful result due to their higher fat content.
Q3: Can I make Greek chicken gyros without a grill?
- Yes! You can cook the chicken in a skillet, grill pan, or even bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
Q4: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- To make gluten-free gyros, use gluten-free pita bread or substitute the pita with a large lettuce leaf for a wrap.
Q5: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost and reheat the chicken before assembling the gyros.
Greek Chicken Gyros
is a delicious and satisfying dish that features tender, marinated chicken served in a warm pita with fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and flavorful seasonings. Gyros are a beloved street food in Greece, often made with lamb, pork, or chicken, and they offer a great balance of protein, fresh veggies, and rich sauces. Greek chicken gyros are a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative to the classic version, offering a healthy and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 250°C / 482°F.
- In a small baking dish, add the chicken breasts, paprika, oregano, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Massage the chicken for the marinade to spread evenly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until the chicken gets a golden brown color. Transfer chicken breasts to a cutting board and cut into thin stripes.
- For The Tzatziki:
- In a mixing bowl, add the yogurt, garlic, dill, vinegar, and olive oil. Grate the cucumber with a hand grater (not too thin) and add to the mixture as well. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- For The Wraps:
- Add a drop of olive oil to a frying pan and heat over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add the first pita flatbread. Cook for 3-4 minutes flipping it once. Repeat process for the remaining flatbreads.
- To each flatbread add 2-3 slices of tomato, a few slices of onion, a few pieces of chicken and 1-2 tablespoons of tzatziki. Wrap with aluminum foil and serve.