Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe You Must Try!

Picture this: warm pita bread cradling juicy, marinated chicken, topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a creamy tzatziki sauce that sings with freshness. That’s the magic of Greek chicken gyros! The tantalizing flavors and vibrant colors come together to create a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also transports you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Greece. Fresh avocado mango salsa

Now, let me take you on a little journey. I remember the first time I attempted to make Greek chicken gyros at home; it was during a summer BBQ when my friends were all about impressing each other with their culinary skills. As I spun around the kitchen like a whirlwind, my friends stared in awe as I unveiled my creation. Delicious side of Lebanese rice The looks on their faces as they took that first bite? Priceless. Trust me; this dish is perfect for any occasion where deliciousness is required.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Every bite of these gyros is an explosion of flavors that leaves everyone asking for seconds! You won’t believe how easy this recipe is to whip up after a long day at work. Spring pea soup for a light starter.

The tender chicken paired with the refreshing tzatziki sauce creates a delightful experience perfect for summer picnics or cozy family dinners.

The colorful veggies add crunch and brightness, making each serving a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

You can easily adapt the toppings to suit your personal tastes – whether you prefer more veggies or extra sauce, it’s all customizable!

I still chuckle when I think back to that BBQ moment—my friends devoured those gyros faster than I could make them!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 pieces, adjusting based on your guest list or leftovers cravings.

  • Greek Yogurt: Opt for full-fat yogurt for creaminess in your tzatziki; it makes a world of difference.

  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a punch; crush them just before use for maximum flavor.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up every element; bottled just doesn’t cut it.

  • Olive Oil: A must-have for marinating; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.

  • Dried Oregano: Essential for that authentic Greek flavor; don’t skimp here!

  • Salt and Pepper: Use coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper for seasoning perfection.

  • Pita Bread: Warmed pitas are crucial; they hold everything together like an edible hug.

  • Fresh Vegetables (Lettuce, Tomatoes): Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes provide freshness and texture; feel free to add red onions too!

  • Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients (Cucumber, Dill): Grate cucumber and mix with dill in yogurt for that iconic sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this beetroot hummus recipe recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

First things first: marinate the chicken! In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Lemon herb chicken pairing Whisk until combined into a deliciously fragrant marinade that will make your taste buds dance.

Next step: coat your chicken breasts evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a zip-top bag before refrigerating it for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious). The longer they soak up those flavors, the better!

While your chicken gets cozy in its marinade bath, prepare the tzatziki sauce! Grate about half a cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture (no one wants soggy sauce). Mix this cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic cloves, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Time to bring out those pitas! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place your marinated chicken on the grill—listen closely as it sizzles away! Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/75°C).

Once grilled perfection is achieved, let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips—this step keeps all those flavorful juices inside! Now it’s assembly time! Grab your warmed pitas and layer on sliced chicken followed by fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes.

Finally, drizzle generously with your homemade tzatziki sauce—it’s time to dig in! Enjoy these Greek chicken gyros at your next gathering or simply as a comforting weeknight dinner. For more inspiration, check out this easy sheet pan chicken fajitas recipe.

Trust me; once you try this recipe at home, you’ll wonder why you ever thought takeout was necessary again!

You Must Know

  • The Greek chicken marinade offers a burst of flavor and keeps your chicken incredibly tender
  • This dish is not only perfect for summer barbecues but also works wonderfully as a quick weeknight dinner
  • Vibrant colors and aromas make it a show-stopper at any gathering

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least one hour. While it’s soaking up those flavors, prepare your toppings and warm the pita bread. Grill or bake the chicken to juicy perfection.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley to customize the marinade.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover gyros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, keeping them juicy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly cooked chicken gyros, always let your meat rest after cooking; this helps retain moisture
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for an extra punch of flavor
  • Don’t skip on the tzatziki sauce; it’s key to authentic taste!

Sharing this dish with my family became a tradition during Friday night dinners, where everyone would gather around and assemble their own gyros while swapping stories and laughs.

FAQs

FAQ

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour for best flavor absorption.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Lamb, beef, or even shrimp work beautifully too.

What toppings are best for Greek chicken gyros?

Toppings like tomatoes, onions, and homemade tzatziki elevate your gyros immensely.

Print
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Greek Chicken Gyros


  • Author: Doorecipes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of homemade Greek chicken gyros! Tender, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is customizable and sure to impress your family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 pita breads (warmed)
  • 2 cups fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes; optional: red onion)
  • Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients: 1 cucumber (grated), 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
  2. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Let rest before slicing into strips.
  4. Assemble Gyros: Place sliced chicken in warmed pita bread and top with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 gyro
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For a twist on flavors, substitute chicken with lamb or beef. Add extra herbs like parsley or mint for enhanced taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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