These Greek Chicken Gyros are a tasty delight, featuring juicy marinated chicken and fresh, flavorful tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
I love serving these gyros with warm pita bread and extra toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. They’re great for any get-together, and who doesn’t love a good wrap? 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you want a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. For a vegetarian version, try using marinated tofu or chickpeas!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor. If you’re out, vinegar could substitute, but it won’t have the same freshness. I always prefer using fresh ingredients when I can.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes the tzatziki creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, you can use low-fat yogurt or dairy-free yogurt made from coconut or almond milk.
Oregano: Dried oregano is commonly used, but don’t hesitate to swap it with fresh if you have it! Just remember to use more of the fresh variety as it’s less concentrated.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavors?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor. To get the most out of your marinade, follow these tips:
- Start by mixing all your marinade ingredients in a bowl till well-combined.
- Always marinate in the refrigerator to keep the chicken safe from bacteria.
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in the marinade; you can even use a resealable bag to massage it in.
How Do You Make Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?
Making tzatziki is straightforward, but here’s how to do it just right:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess water. This helps prevent your sauce from getting watery.
- Mix the yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Adjust to taste, and refrigerate before serving for the best flavor.
These tips will help you create delicious Greek chicken gyros that capture authentic flavors and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy cooking!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lemon Herb Marinade and Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
- 1/2 large cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh lettuce or shredded iceberg lettuce
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: sliced cucumber or olives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus up to 4 hours for marinating the chicken (or overnight for best flavor). Cooking will take around 15-20 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on marination time—a wonderful and rewarding meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful marinade will be the star of your dish!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 3-4 hours, or even overnight if you have time!
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While your chicken is soaking up all those delicious flavors, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (be sure to squeeze out excess liquid), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Store in the fridge until it’s time to serve!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it’s fully cooked and has a nice char. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
5. Rest and Slice:
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it thinly to prepare for assembling the gyros.
6. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is resting, warm your pita breads on the grill or in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes until they are soft and pliable, making them easier to roll.
7. Assemble the Gyros:
On each warm pita, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce. Then, add the sliced chicken and top with your choice of lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and any optional ingredients you desire, like crumbled feta or cucumber slices.
8. Serve Immediately:
Roll or fold the pita around the delicious fillings and enjoy your homemade Greek chicken gyros right away while they are fresh and warm!
This recipe beautifully captures the essence of Greek cuisine with its vibrant lemon-herb marinade and creamy tzatziki. Perfect for impressing family and friends or treating yourself to a wonderful meal. Enjoy your gyros! 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Chicken Gyros
Can I Use a Different Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for pork or lamb, which are also popular choices for gyros. If you prefer a vegetarian option, marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas work wonderfully as replacements!
How Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free tzatziki, use a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt. All other ingredients remain the same. Just be sure the yogurt is unsweetened and unflavored to keep the traditional taste!
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it the next day. Just remember to store it properly in the fridge and ensure to cook it within 1-2 days after marinating for the best flavor and safety.
What Should I Do with Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?
Leftover tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great as a dip for veggies, spread on sandwiches, or even drizzled over salads!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further tips on preparing this delicious dish!
