Description

Indulge in the vibrant and delightful flavors of Greece with our Greek Chicken Gyros. This beloved street food, often served in bustling markets and picturesque tavernas, captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Each soft, warm pita envelops tender pieces of marinated chicken, perfectly complemented by a creamy and refreshing tzatziki sauce and a fresh Greek salad brimming with color.

What makes these gyros truly special is not just the harmonious blend of ingredients but the ease of preparation. Even if you're a novice in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe accessible and rewarding. The aroma of grilled chicken wafting through your home, accompanied by the delightful crunch of fresh veggies, will undoubtedly create a feast that brings people together. Each bite transports you to sun-soaked beaches and lively gatherings filled with laughter and joy.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these gyros are sure to impress. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 2 lbs Chicken Breast, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Oregano
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill, diced
• 3 Garlic Cloves, finely diced
• 1 Cucumber, grated
• For the Greek Salad:
• 3 ripe Tomatoes, diced
• 2 Cucumbers, peeled and diced
• 1/4 Red Onion, diced
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley, diced
• Feta Cheese, crumbled (to taste)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• For Serving:
• Pita Bread or Flatbread, warmed
• Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your preferences. If you're short on time, store-bought tzatziki and pita can work in a pinch, although homemade offers a fresh appeal that’s hard to beat. You can also switch up the salad ingredients—try adding bell peppers, olives, or even avocado for added richness.

Preparation Method

Begin this culinary journey by marinating the chicken. Gather your chicken pieces and place them in a large resealable bag or bowl. Add the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake or mix thoroughly to ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

Now, let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors. It's crucial to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, aim for a marination period of 2 to 4 hours. For the best-flavored chicken, consider marinating overnight in the fridge. During this time, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce and Greek salad.

To make the tzatziki sauce, start by combining the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the fresh dill and finely diced garlic to the mixture. Next, take your cucumber and grate it finely. It's essential to remove excess water from the cucumber to maintain the perfect consistency of the tzatziki; to do this, place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel, twist it, and squeeze out the moisture.

Once the cucumber is prepped, stir it into the yogurt mixture until well combined. Cover your tzatziki sauce with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a cooler and tastier sauce to accompany your gyros.

Now, let’s prepare the Greek salad. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumbers, and diced red onion. Subtly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the veggies gently to coat them in the oil and seasonings. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for that classic Greek touch. Set this vibrant salad aside; it will provide a fresh contrast to the savory chicken.

It's time to cook the chicken! You have two great options for this step: grilling or skillet cooking. If you have access to a grill, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Preheat your grill to medium, and cook the skewers for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has those beautiful grill marks. The smoky flavor from grilling will enhance your gyros tremendously.

If using a skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick pan. Add the marinated chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to cook in batches). Sauté the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until it is golden brown and cooked through. The pieces should have a lovely crust while remaining tender and juicy inside.

Now, let’s assemble our mouthwatering gyros. Warm your pita bread, naan bread, or flatbread either in a skillet over low heat or in the oven for a few minutes. Once warmed, carefully place a generous helping of the cooked chicken in the center of each piece of bread. Top it with a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce and add a portion of the refreshing Greek salad on top. If you're feeling extra indulgent, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some additional feta cheese!

Tips and Conclusion

Want to elevate your meal even further? Consider serving your gyros with a side of roasted lemon potatoes or some crispy pita chips seasoned with za'atar. These small additions create a more profound Mediterranean experience and satisfy diverse palates. If you're prepping for a gathering, consider making a large batch of the tzatziki and salad; they serve well as a dip and side, respectively.

When it comes to storing leftovers, it's best to keep each component separately. Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tzatziki sauce can last about 4 days, while the Greek salad is best eaten fresh; if there's any left, try eating it within one day to avoid sogginess.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own Greek Chicken Gyros, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your home kitchen. The layers of marinated chicken, cooling tzatziki, and vibrant salad wrapped in warm pita deliver a deliciously satisfying experience that is perfect for any occasion.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might want to try other Mediterranean delights such as Spanakopita, Lamb Souvlaki, or even a refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad. These recipes can expand your culinary repertoire and continue the journey through the incredible flavors of Greece.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family or explore more delicious recipes on our site. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be a place of joy and flavor!