Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

$To make tasty chicken gyros, gather these main ingredients: - 500g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 pita bread - Fresh tomato, sliced - Red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh lettuce or arugula These ingredients build the foundation of flavor for your gyros. The chicken gets juicy and savory from the olive oil and spices. Using fresh toppings like tomato, onion, and lettuce adds crunch and freshness. Tzatziki is a key part of chicken gyros. You need: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, peeled and grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt to taste This sauce is cool and creamy. The Greek yogurt gives it a nice texture. The cucumber and garlic add freshness, while lemon juice brightens the taste. You can enhance your gyros with these optional garnishes: - Feta cheese, crumbled - Sliced olives - Extra fresh herbs like mint or parsley These add even more flavor and color. Feel free to mix and match as you like. It’s all about making your chicken gyros just right for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 500 grams of chicken breast and slice it into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken gets fully coated. Let this marinate for about 30 minutes. If you have more time, leave it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor. While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the tzatziki sauce. Start by peeling and grating 1 cucumber. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze out the extra moisture. In a bowl, add 1 cup of Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix these ingredients well and add salt to your taste. Be sure to adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve. Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be cooked through and lightly browned. For the pita bread, you can warm it in another skillet or in the oven for about 5 minutes until soft and heated through. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the pita to the skillet so it gets nice and warm. Once everything is cooked, you’re ready to assemble your Chicken Gyros! To get the best chicken gyros, marinate the chicken well. Use olive oil, garlic powder, and spices for deep flavor. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it overnight for even better results. When cooking, use medium-high heat. This gives a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy. Stir occasionally to cook evenly. Tzatziki sauce can be adjusted to fit your taste. If you want more crunch, add diced cucumber instead of grated. For a zestier flavor, add more lemon juice. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can also be great. If you prefer a creamier sauce, use more Greek yogurt. Always taste and adjust salt to your liking. When assembling your gyros, think about colors and layers. Start with warm pita bread as your base. Add a generous layer of fresh lettuce or arugula. Next, place the cooked chicken on top. Add sliced tomatoes and red onions for crunch. Finally, drizzle tzatziki sauce all over the top. For a fun touch, serve on a wooden board with extra tzatziki in a small bowl. Garnish with fresh dill or mint for a lovely look. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, refrigerate it overnight to enhance the flavors. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the dish. Opt for fresh dill in the tzatziki and ripe tomatoes for topping the gyros. Drain the Cucumber Well: Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, assemble and serve the gyros right after cooking the chicken and warming the pita. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your gyros. Instead of chicken, try pork, lamb, or beef. Each meat brings its unique taste. For pork, use thinly sliced shoulder or tenderloin. Lamb adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the tzatziki sauce. If you choose beef, flank steak works great. Adjust cooking times based on the protein for best results. Vegetarian gyros are tasty and easy to make. Use grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Marinate them just like the chicken for extra flavor. You can also use falafel for a protein-packed option. Just fry or bake them until crispy. These options provide great taste and texture, making them perfect for everyone. Tzatziki sauce can have many flavors. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños. You can also mix in roasted red peppers for a smoky taste. Try using different herbs like mint or parsley instead of dill. If you want a creamier sauce, add a touch of sour cream. Each variation adds a new twist to your gyros. To store leftover chicken gyros, first, let them cool down. Place the gyros in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them for a longer time, you can freeze the chicken strips separately from the pita and veggies. Freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They last for about three months in the freezer. Tzatziki sauce should be stored in a clean, airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. If you notice any excess water, just drain it off before serving. You can also freeze tzatziki, but the texture may change. It’s best to use it fresh for the best flavor. When reheating chicken gyros, do so gently to keep the meat juicy. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. For pita bread, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This keeps the pita soft and tasty. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pita tough. To make Chicken Gyros from scratch, start with fresh chicken breast. Slice it into thin strips. In a bowl, mix olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to this mixture and let it marinate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce by draining grated cucumber, then mixing it with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet until brown and cooked through. Warm pita bread and assemble with fresh veggies and tzatziki. Yes, you can use store-bought Tzatziki sauce for your Chicken Gyros. It saves time and can still taste great. However, making your own gives you more control over the flavor. Homemade tzatziki is fresh and can be adjusted to your taste. If you choose store-bought, look for one with clean ingredients for a better flavor. Chicken Gyros pair well with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese - Roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Rice pilaf with lemon and herbs - Pita chips with hummus or baba ganoush These sides complement the flavors of the gyros and add variety to your meal. In this guide, we covered how to make tasty Chicken Gyros. You learned about the main ingredients, the method to prepare the marinated chicken, and how to whip up fresh tzatziki sauce. We shared helpful tips for perfecting your dish and explored different variations to suit your taste. Don't forget to store your leftovers well to enjoy later. With these steps in mind, you can create delicious gyros at home. Enjoy the flavors, and get creative with your choices!$

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

Delicious Greek-style chicken gyros served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

500 g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
4 pieces pita bread
1 fresh tomato, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
to taste fresh lettuce or arugula
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine sliced chicken breast, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for about 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for extra flavor).
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Drain the grated cucumber using a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning as needed and refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
In the last few minutes of cooking the chicken, add the pita bread to another skillet or warm it in the oven for about 5 minutes until soft and heated through.
To assemble, take a warm pita bread, layer some fresh lettuce or arugula, and top with cooked chicken strips, sliced tomatoes, and red onions. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce generously over the top.
Wrap or fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side.

Notes

Serve the gyros on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, with a bowl of tzatziki, garnished with fresh dill or mint on the side.

Keyword chicken, Greek cuisine, gyros, tzatziki