Chicken Gyros are a variation of the traditional Greek dish, typically consisting of thinly sliced marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread along with fresh vegetables and a generous dollop of Tzatziki Sauce.
It’s a beloved dish, that has gained immense popularity worldwide for their tantalizing flavors and simple preparation.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also tastes incredibly delicious!
The marinated chicken, infused with garlic, oregano, and paprika, cooks up tender and juicy, with a hint of smokiness from the grill or skillet.
And the tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, adds a refreshing and tangy element that complements the savory chicken perfectly!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Greek Salad: Serve the gyros alongside a classic Greek salad made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
This combination offers a refreshing and nutritious meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the gyros with a side of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
The roasted vegetables add depth of flavor and complement the savory chicken and tzatziki sauce.
Rice Pilaf: Serve the gyros with a side of fluffy rice pilaf cooked with onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Garnish the rice with chopped fresh parsley or dill for added freshness and flavor.
Tabbouleh Salad: Accompany the gyros with a tabbouleh salad made with bulgur wheat, chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon juice.
Tabbouleh adds a light and refreshing element to the meal, balancing the richness of the gyros.
Hummus and Pita: Serve the gyros with a side of hummus and warm pita bread for dipping. The creamy hummus complements the flavors of the gyros and adds extra protein to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Grill a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, and squash to serve alongside the gyros.
The smoky charred flavor of the vegetables pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce.
Greek Rice or Orzo: Serve the gyros with a side of Greek-style rice pilaf or orzo pasta cooked with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
This adds a comforting and flavorful component to the meal.
Fries or Potato Wedges: For a more casual meal, serve the gyros with a side of crispy fries or seasoned potato wedges.
The crunchy texture of the potatoes complements the tender chicken and creamy tzatziki sauce.
These serving suggestions offer a variety of options to enjoy chicken gyros with tzatziki as part of a balanced and flavorful meal.
Mix and match these ideas to create a customized dining experience that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Cooking Tips to help you make delicious Chicken Gyros
Thinly Slice the Chicken: For tender and flavorful chicken gyros, slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively and ensures even cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and spices adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Use a Hot Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat before cooking the chicken. A hot cooking surface helps to sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and creating a delicious charred exterior.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be mindful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Warm the Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread rounds on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute on each side until they are lightly toasted and pliable. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the gyros.
Grate the Cucumber for Tzatziki: When making the tzatziki sauce, be sure to grate the cucumber using the coarse side of a box grater. After grating, squeeze out any excess moisture from the cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the tzatziki sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more garlic, lemon juice, or fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the gyros with your favorite toppings and add-ons, such as sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, or crumbled feta cheese. These toppings add freshness and additional flavor to the gyros.
Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce immediately after assembling to enjoy them at their freshest and most flavorful.
If you have leftovers, store the components separately and assemble just before serving to prevent the pita bread from becoming soggy.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and authentic chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce that are sure to impress your family and friends!
FAQs About Chicken Gyros
How do I prevent the pita bread from becoming soggy?
To prevent the pita bread from becoming soggy, warm it on the grill or in a skillet just before serving. Also, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the tzatziki sauce and other toppings before assembling the gyros.
How do I Store Chicken Gyros?
Store leftover chicken gyros components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tzatziki sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, while cooked chicken slices can be stored for the same duration.
Pita bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for longer storage. Assemble gyros just before serving for the best freshness and flavor.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors may even improve as the sauce sits, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground tumeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more, to taste
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 small piece of english cucumber peeled and finely diced
For serving:
- 6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 romaine or Iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ of a red onion thinly sliced
- ½ of an English cucumber thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Mix the ingredients for the marinade and pour it over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is well coated by stirring thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for a period ranging from 1 to 4 hours.
- In the meantime, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing all the ingredients together. After tasting it, feel free to add more seasonings such as lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, or cumin if necessary. Once done, place it in the refrigerator.
- Set the grill to medium heat and apply oil to the grates (or if you’re using a stove, add a bit of oil). Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any surplus sauce to fall off.
- Cook the chicken on the grill for a few minutes on each side, turning it over once, until it’s thoroughly cooked. After grilling, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast or warm your pitas. Layer with chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber and sauce. Enjoy!