Juicy Greek Chicken Gyros: Homemade Tzatziki Recipe Magic

Crispy and tender greek chicken gyros dance with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Succulent meat marinated in zesty herbs creates a delightful culinary experience.

Authentic spices blend perfectly with cool cucumber tzatziki sauce, promising a delectable journey.

Weeknight dinners need exciting twists, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction.

Homemade gyros beat restaurant versions with fresh ingredients and personal touch.

Simple techniques transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that impresses everyone.

Each bite connects you to traditional greek street food magic.

Come explore this mouthwatering recipe that turns dinner into a celebration of flavor!

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki – Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat perfect for absorbing marinade flavors, boneless and skinless works best for easy slicing.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for tzatziki sauce, full-fat variety provides rich texture.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize chicken and adds bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasoning blend that enhances meat's natural taste.

• Cucumber: Fresh, crisp element that adds coolness to sauce, seedless or English cucumbers recommended.
• Pita Bread: Soft and flexible wrap for gyros, whole wheat or traditional white options work well.
• Red Onion, Tomato, Parsley: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, color, and additional flavor layers.

Gyro Assembly for Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade and let them soak up the delicious flavors for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken to Perfection

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high flame.

Cook the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.

The chicken should develop a beautiful caramelized exterior with juicy interior.

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cucumber Tzatziki

• Thick Greek yogurt
• Freshly grated cucumber
• Crushed garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Cracked black pepper

Stir ingredients until well blended and refrigerate to let flavors meld.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Gyro Wraps

Warm pita breads on a skillet.

Generously spread tzatziki sauce across each bread.

• Sliced chicken strips
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Chopped parsley

Roll tightly, slice diagonally, and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Gyro Assembling Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Wraps

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat completely.
• After grating cucumber for tzatziki, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery sauce.
• Quickly toast pitas on a skillet or grill for 30 seconds on each side to enhance texture and prevent sogginess.
• Swap chicken thighs with lamb, beef, or tofu for different dietary preferences while maintaining the classic Greek seasoning profile.
• Chop parsley right before serving to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant green color in your gyros.

Store Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

• Store leftover gyros in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and tzatziki sauce separately to prevent soggy pitas.
• Consume refrigerated chicken and tzatziki within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Warm sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Add fresh tzatziki and crisp vegetables when reheating to restore original gyros texture and flavor.

What Goes with Greek Chicken Gyros

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Greek Assyrtiko or Moschofilero that cuts through the chicken's richness and complements the tangy tzatziki with its bright, citrusy profile.
• Match with Mediterranean Lager: Choose a light, crisp Greek beer like Mythos or Fix that balances the gyro's bold flavors and provides a clean, refreshing finish to each bite.
• Serve with Greek Salad Side: Create a classic horiatiki salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives to enhance the gyro's Mediterranean essence and add extra vegetable freshness.
• Complement with Sparkling Mineral Water: Add a zesty lemon slice to mineral water for a palate-cleansing drink that refreshes between bites and highlights the gyro's herbal and lemony marinade notes.

Custom Gyro Fillings and Add-Ons

• Vegan Gyros: Replace chicken with grilled marinated tofu or seitan, using the same marinade. Swap yogurt tzatziki with cashew-based tzatziki for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Gyro Bowl: Skip the pita and serve chicken and tzatziki over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice. Add extra vegetables for crunch and nutrition.
• Spicy Mediterranean Gyros: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade and mix sriracha into the tzatziki sauce for a fiery kick. Incorporate sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pita or large lettuce wraps instead of traditional wheat pitas. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

FAQs

• What are gyros traditionally made of?

Traditional Greek gyros are made with spit-roasted meat like pork or chicken, served in pita bread with various toppings like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.

• Is Greek chicken gyros a healthy meal?

Yes, it’s relatively healthy. Chicken is lean protein, and tzatziki sauce contains protein-rich yogurt and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious option.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.

• How spicy are Greek chicken gyros?

They are not typically spicy. The flavor profile is more herbal and tangy, with oregano, lemon, and garlic creating a fresh Mediterranean taste.

Greek Chicken Gyros Packed With Flavor You’ll Appreciate

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up these mouthwatering gyros in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Marination: Simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, and oregano transform ordinary chicken into a spectacular Mediterranean-inspired dish that bursts with authentic taste.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Healthy Homemade Option: Lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich yogurt create a nutritious meal that's significantly healthier than takeout, giving you full control over ingredients.

Greek Chicken Gyros With Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken gyros dance with zesty cucumber tzatziki in this Mediterranean masterpiece. Rich layers of marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce create a classic street food experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Oils:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 grams) Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gyros Assembly:

• 4 pita breads
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice, fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, crumbled dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
2. Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour to absorb the Mediterranean flavors.
3. Heat a grill or heavy skillet to medium temperature, creating an ideal surface for cooking the marinated chicken to a perfect golden-brown exterior.
4. Carefully place chicken thighs on the hot surface, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until the meat is completely cooked through and displays a delectable caramelized finish.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly, then slice into thin, succulent strips for easy gyro assembly.
6. Craft the creamy tzatziki by combining tangy Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, crushed garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Gently warm the soft pita breads to enhance their texture and pliability.
8. Spread a generous layer of the prepared tzatziki sauce across each pita, creating a luscious base for the gyro.
9. Layer the sliced chicken strips, followed by crisp red onion, ripe tomato chunks, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
10. Carefully roll the pita into a compact wrap, ensuring all ingredients are securely nestled inside, and serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption by using a resealable plastic bag, ensuring even coating and easier cleanup.
• Drain grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki, squeezing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
• Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat that stays tender and doesn’t dry out during grilling or pan-cooking.
• Customize gyros for different dietary needs by using gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps, and swapping dairy yogurt with coconut or almond-based alternatives for vegan options.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg