Description
Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender chicken marinated with traditional herbs and spices, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers authentic Greek flavors with a balance of savory, tangy, and refreshing tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For Assembly
- 4 soft pita breads, warmed
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced or chunked
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, sumac
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh dill, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with authentic Mediterranean flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, to fully absorb the seasonings.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken strips for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and press out any excess moisture. Mix it into the Greek yogurt along with minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a creamy, cooling sauce.
- Warm the Pita: Lightly heat the pita bread in a dry pan or oven until soft and pliable, ideal for wrapping your gyros.
- Assemble the Gyros: Place cooked chicken strips on the warmed pita. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki, then top with sliced tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and red onions. Fold the pita and serve immediately for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for the juiciest results.
- Whenever possible, use fresh dill and oregano to enhance flavor.
- Drain grated cucumber well before adding to tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
- Cook chicken on high heat to lock in juices and achieve perfect caramelization.
- Warm pita bread gently for flexibility and improved texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg