Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of Greece from the comfort of your home. Marinated, grilled chicken is wrapped in soft pita bread with fresh vegetables and topped with creamy tzatziki sauce. This quick and customizable dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and tons of flavor, these gyros are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Greek Chicken Gyros are the perfect balance of fresh and savory. The marinated chicken is juicy and flavorful, grilled to perfection and paired with crisp vegetables and a tangy tzatziki sauce. The whole wheat pita adds a satisfying texture, and the best part is, the dish is both light and filling, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable—add more veggies, top with extra sauce, or use a different protein for a fun twist.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 4 whole wheat pita breads

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let it soak for at least 15 minutes (you can also marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.

3. Grill the Chicken:
   Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

4. Prepare the Toppings:
   While the chicken is resting, slice fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions to use as toppings for the gyros.

5. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

6. Warm the Pita:
   Warm the whole wheat pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute per side to make them soft and pliable.

7. Assemble the Gyros:
   Take a warm pita and fill it with sliced grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Fold it up like a wrap, and your gyros are ready to serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Swap the chicken for lamb, beef, or even tofu for a different take on this classic Greek dish.

• Extra Veggies: Add more fresh veggies such as lettuce, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

• Spicy Kick: Add some hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce for a spicy version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and serve with fresh pita and veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, even the night before, to allow the flavors to infuse. You can also grill the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge to assemble the gyros later.

2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought tzatziki sauce if you’re short on time, but homemade tzatziki adds that extra touch of freshness and flavor.

3. Can I use non-dairy yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy yogurt such as coconut yogurt or soy yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt if you need a dairy-free version.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

5. Can I make these gyros in advance?

You can prepare the components (chicken, tzatziki sauce, and veggies) ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the gyros just before serving to keep the pita soft and fresh.

6. Can I use regular pita bread instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can use regular pita bread if you prefer. Whole wheat adds a bit more fiber, but both types will work well.

7. What can I serve with these gyros?

Greek Chicken Gyros pair perfectly with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or some crispy fries.

8. Can I make this recipe low-carb?

For a low-carb version, you can use lettuce wraps instead of pita bread to make the gyros gluten-free and carb-conscious.

9. Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just make sure to get the pan nice and hot before adding the chicken.

10. Can I freeze the leftover chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros are a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings the taste of Greece to your kitchen. With marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, this meal is both satisfying and customizable. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, these gyros are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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