Greek Chicken Gyros are tasty wraps filled with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce. They’re a delightful way to enjoy a little Greek flair in your meal!
Whenever I make these gyros, I can’t help but add extra sauce—it’s just that good! Perfect for any night, they’re quick and satisfying. Enjoy them with friends or just treat yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for gyros. If you have other chicken cuts like thighs, they work well too, just adjust cooking times. For a vegetarian option, try marinated tofu or seitan!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps with cooking. If you’re out, avocado oil or canola oil are good swaps. Coconut oil should be avoided here due to its strong taste.
Dried Oregano: This herb is a classic for Greek dishes. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning can add a similar flavor. Fresh oregano can also be used but use a little more, about 1 tablespoon.
Tzatziki Sauce: Making it at home is easy with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, but store-bought works just fine! For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt with non-dairy yogurt.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Full of Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is crucial! Letting it sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors soak in. If you have the time, overnight marination is even better.
- Mix the marinade thoroughly and fully coat the chicken before refrigerating.
- Be sure not to rush the cooking process; a medium-high grill creates nice caramelization.
- Always let your cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Plus, you’ll need about 15-20 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can have delicious Greek Chicken Gyros ready in approximately 1 hour plus any marinating time you choose!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well! Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are completely coated in the marinade. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time to enhance the flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice char marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
3. Slicing and Preparing the Flatbreads:
After cooking, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. While the chicken rests, warm your pita bread or flatbreads on the grill for about 1 minute on each side until they are nice and soft.
4. Assembling the Gyros:
Now it’s time to put your gyros together! Thinly slice the rested chicken and place a generous amount in the center of each warm pita. Top it off with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley for that crunch and freshness. Finally, drizzle some tzatziki sauce over the top.
5. Wrapping and Serving:
Wrap the pita around the filling tightly. Serve your Greek Chicken Gyros immediately, and if you like, offer extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Greek delight!
Can I Use a Different Protein for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not keen on chicken, you can substitute it with turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken generally takes about 5-7 minutes per side, while tofu or pork may need a bit longer or shorter based on thickness.
What Can I Use Instead of Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand, you can make a quick alternative by mixing Greek yogurt with finely diced cucumber, a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and a pinch of dill. You can also use hummus or a yogurt-based dressing if you prefer something different!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken gyros components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can last for up to 3-4 days, while veggies should be eaten within 2 days for best freshness. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet, and assemble the gyros again just before serving.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save on prep time on the day you plan to serve the gyros. Just remember to warm the pita just before assembling to keep it soft and pliable!
