Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros: A Flavorful Greek Classic

Introduction:

Greek Chicken Gyros is a popular street food that combines juicy, spiced chicken with fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and soft pita bread. The flavors are bold and aromatic, offering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh. Gyros can be served as a wrap, plate, or even a salad, making it a versatile dish loved by many around the world.

The History of Ingredients:

1. Chicken:
   • Traditionally, gyros in Greece are made with lamb, pork, or beef. However, chicken gyros became popular as a lighter alternative and is now commonly used in Greek restaurants worldwide. The choice of chicken provides a lean protein with a mild flavor that complements the spices.
2. Pita Bread:
   • Pita is a staple in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a soft, slightly leavened bread that is perfect for wrapping around fillings like grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces. The bread can be toasted or served fresh, and it adds a chewy, soft texture to the dish.
3. Tzatziki Sauce:
   • Tzatziki is a cool, creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint. It’s a classic Greek condiment that helps balance the spiciness of the chicken and adds a refreshing, tangy element to the gyros.
4. Spices and Herbs:
   • Greek cuisine is known for its use of bold spices and herbs. Common ingredients in chicken gyros include oregano, garlic, paprika, cumin, and lemon, which give the chicken a savory, aromatic taste.
5. Fresh Vegetables:
   • Tomato, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce are commonly added to Greek chicken gyros, providing crunch, freshness, and a contrast to the rich and tangy flavors of the meat and sauce.

Breakdown of Ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are preferred for their tenderness and juiciness).
• Pita Bread: Soft, round flatbread that can be warmed or grilled for a crispy texture.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, olive oil, dill (or mint), and a pinch of salt.
• Spices and Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Fresh Vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs like parsley.
• Optional Toppings: Feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita bread rounds
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

For Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill (or mint), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown.
   • Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Prepare the Pitas and Vegetables:
   • Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or grill pan for about 1 minute on each side until soft and slightly crispy.
   • Slice the tomato, cucumber, and red onion, and prepare the lettuce and parsley.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
   • Lay a warm pita on a plate. Add a layer of sliced chicken, then top with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and lettuce. Drizzle with a generous amount of tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley (and feta or olives, if desired).
6. Serve:
   • Roll the pita around the fillings to create a wrap, or serve open-faced like a plate. Serve immediately with a side of fries, salad, or extra tzatziki sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros:

1. Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, making them a better choice for gyros.
2. Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavor will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
3. Grill for Extra Flavor: Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor, but if you don’t have access to a grill, a stovetop grill pan or skillet works perfectly.
4. Customize the Toppings: You can add other ingredients like pickled onions, Kalamata olives, or even feta cheese for extra flavor.
5. Make Your Own Pita: For an authentic touch, try making your own pita bread, though store-bought is perfectly fine for convenience.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or falafel for a vegetarian alternative.
2. Spicy Gyros: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the tzatziki sauce or marinade for an extra kick.
3. Different Proteins: Swap chicken for lamb, beef, or pork, following the same marinade technique.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pita or serve the chicken and toppings over a bed of rice for a gluten-free option.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

• Protein-Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low Carb: If you opt for a low-carb version (like lettuce wraps instead of pita), this dish can be made keto-friendly.
• Healthy Fats: The tzatziki sauce is made with Greek yogurt and olive oil, which are both heart-healthy fats.
• Rich in Vegetables: The fresh vegetables in the gyros add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced meal.
• Moderate in Calories: While tasty, gyros can be a bit calorie-dense, especially with sauces and pita bread. Opt for a lighter portion or use whole wheat pita for added fiber.

FAQ:

1. Can I make gyros ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day before. Assemble the gyros just before serving for the freshest result.
2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
   • Absolutely! While homemade tzatziki adds an extra touch, store-bought versions are convenient and often quite delicious.
3. What can I serve with Greek Chicken Gyros?
   • Serve with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or crispy fries. You can also add a side of hummus or olives for more flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe on the grill?
   • Yes! Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that’s perfect for gyros. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Can I substitute chicken for other meats?
   • Yes! Traditional gyros use lamb or pork, but you can substitute any meat, or even use tofu or falafel for a vegetarian option.

Greek Chicken Gyros are an easy and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Greece to your home. With their tender, spiced chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables, they’re a meal everyone will enjoy.

Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros is a popular street food that combines juicy, spiced chicken with fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and soft pita bread. The flavors are bold and aromatic, offering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh. Gyros can be served as a wrap, plate, or even a salad, making it a versatile dish loved by many around the world.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 886 kcal

Ingredients

  

• For The Chicken Gyros:
• 600 grams / 21.1 oz chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper
• For The Tzatziki Sauce:
• 250 grams / 8.8 oz Greek yogurt
• 100 grams / 8.8 oz cucumber
• 1 large garlic clove minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For The Wraps:
• 4 Pita flatbreads
• 1 tomato cut into thin slices
• ½ onion cut into thin slices
• olive oil

Instructions

 

• For The Chicken Gyros:
• 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.

Notes

 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |