Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe
Description:
Greek Chicken Gyros are a Mediterranean classic made with tender marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and warm pita bread. This healthy and flavorful street-food-style wrap is perfect for lunch or dinner and easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber (grated and drained)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
4–6 pita breads (warmed)
1 red onion (thinly sliced)
1–2 tomatoes (sliced)
Shredded lettuce or mixed greens
Feta cheese (optional)
Extra lemon wedges Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, mix well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Tzatziki:
In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix and refrigerate.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
Warm pita bread. Spread tzatziki sauce, add sliced chicken, red onion, tomato, lettuce, and feta if using. Drizzle with lemon juice.
5. Serve:
Wrap and serve warm with extra tzatziki or lemon on the side.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr 30 minutes (with marination)
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 gyro):
Nutrient Amount
Calories 410 kcal
Protein 32g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fat 18g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 4g
Saturated Fat 4g
Sodium 500mg
Note: Values vary based on portions and ingredient brands.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
A: Yes, but homemade adds more freshness and control over ingredients.
Q2: What can I use instead of pita?
A: Flatbreads or naan work well. You can also make a gyro bowl with rice or salad.
Q3: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Do not freeze assembled gyros.
Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
Q5: What sides go with gyros?
A: Serve with Greek salad, lemon p
otatoes, or orzo pasta sa