Description

Tender, flavorful chicken marinated in Greek herbs and spices, served in warm pita bread with crisp vegetables and a creamy, refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. This recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros:

4 pita or flatbreads
Sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.

If grilling, grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using a skillet, cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This will help keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

While the chicken is resting, warm the pita bread. You can warm the pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Lay a warm pita bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the pita bread. Top with sliced chicken, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and lettuce. Fold the pita bread in half or roll it up to enclose the filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek-Style Chicken Gyros recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, the chicken is incredibly flavorful thanks to the marinade, which infuses it with classic Greek flavors like oregano, garlic, and lemon. The homemade tzatziki sauce is creamy, refreshing, and perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables. The recipe is also quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Finally, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that you can customize to your liking with different toppings and variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Greek-Style Chicken Gyros immediately while the pita bread is warm and the chicken is juicy. You can serve them with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of hummus or baba ghanoush with pita chips.

Tips

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but use about half the amount.
Warm the pita bread just before serving to keep it soft and pliable.
Customize the gyros with your favorite toppings, such as feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or banana peppers.

Preparation Time:

Marinating: 30 minutes (minimum)
Preparation: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

12-14 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour (including marinating)

Nutrition Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 450-550 per gyro
Protein: 30-40g
Sodium: 500-700mg

Conclusion

These Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Greece at home. The combination of tender, marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables in warm pita bread is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Questions and Answers About This Recipe

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will be more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, making the tzatziki sauce ahead of time is recommended, as it allows the flavors to meld together. You can store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q3: What can I use if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

A: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute. However, Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, so the tzatziki sauce may be slightly thinner if you use plain yogurt. You can also strain the plain yogurt through cheesecloth to remove some of the excess liquid and make it thicker.

Q4: Can I grill the pita bread?

A: Yes, you can grill the pita bread for a smoky flavor. Brush the pita bread with olive oil and grill for about 30 seconds per side, or until slightly charred.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: This recipe is not naturally gluten-free because it uses pita bread, which is made from wheat flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pita bread or serving the chicken and tzatziki as a salad without the pita bread.