Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

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Introduction

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a culinary masterpiece that brings the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. These gyros are a harmony of tender, marinated chicken wrapped in soft pita bread, paired with a refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. With vibrant toppings like tomatoes and lettuce, it’s a quick, wholesome, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

For Assembly:

  • Pita bread
  • Tomato, diced
  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

  1. Grate the Cucumber: Using a box grater, grate the cucumber, then squeeze out the excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Adjust and Chill: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the strips on the grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

  1. Warm the Pita: Lightly toast the pita bread on the grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, until soft and warm.
  2. Fill the Pita: Place a portion of grilled chicken strips in the center of the pita. Add diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch.
  3. Top with Tzatziki: Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Cooking Notes

  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the marinade for a touch of heat.
  • Tzatziki Variations: You can add a small amount of finely chopped mint or parsley to the tzatziki for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flatbread or lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve your gyros with a side of Greek salad, oven-baked potato wedges, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or sparkling water infused with lemon and mint.

Tips

  1. Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day ahead to save time and enhance flavors.
  2. Layering Tip: Spread a thin layer of tzatziki on the pita before adding chicken to keep the gyro moist.
  3. Portable Meal: Wrap the gyros in parchment paper or foil for an on-the-go meal.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 650mg

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a feast for the senses, combining succulent marinated chicken with the refreshing tang of tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making a quick weeknight meal, these gyros are sure to impress. Try them today for a taste of the Mediterranean that’s as simple as it is delicious.

Print
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Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

For Assembly:

  • Pita bread
  • Tomato, diced
  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

  1. Grate the Cucumber: Using a box grater, grate the cucumber, then squeeze out the excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Adjust and Chill: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the strips on the grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

  1. Warm the Pita: Lightly toast the pita bread on the grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, until soft and warm.
  2. Fill the Pita: Place a portion of grilled chicken strips in the center of the pita. Add diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch.
  3. Top with Tzatziki: Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Protein: 25g

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