Authentic and Delicious Chicken Gyro Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 pitas
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, vinegar, 1 clove of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  4. While the chicken is grilling, warm the pitas on the grill or in the oven.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
  6. To assemble the gyros, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each pita. Add the chicken strips, followed by the sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Fold the pita over the fillings and serve the chicken gyros immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat pitas instead of regular pitas for a healthier option.
  • Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or beef for a different protein.
  • Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the grill for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs in the marinade, such as paprika, cumin, or thyme.
  • Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy twist.
  • Try using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, instead of feta.
  • Include lettuce or spinach for added freshness and crunch.
  • Serve the gyros with a side of hummus or Tzatziki sauce for dipping.
  • For a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha on top.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Chicken Gyros, a classic Greek street food that is both delectable and easy to make at home. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to add an international flair to their dinner rotation. Our Chicken Gyros are made with well-marinated, grilled chicken breasts, served in a warm pita, and topped with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce. The marinade ensures the chicken is flavorful and juicy, while the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing contrast. Finally, the toppings of tomato, red onion, and feta cheese add a burst of flavor and texture. This recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. It's a simple, yet satisfying meal that can be made in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. Enjoy the process and the incredible results!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    Yes, you can use chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
  2. Can I marinate the chicken for a shorter time?
    While marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours will allow the flavors to develop, you can marinate it for a shorter time if necessary. However, keep in mind that the longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
  3. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce instead of making it from scratch?
    Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce if you prefer. However, homemade tzatziki sauce tends to have fresher flavors and can be customized to your taste.
  4. Can I cook the chicken on a stovetop instead of grilling?
    Yes, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop using a grill pan or a regular skillet. Cook the chicken over medium heat, flipping it occasionally, until it is cooked through.
  5. Can I add other vegetables or toppings to the gyro?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize your gyros with additional toppings such as lettuce, olives, or your favorite veggies. You can also drizzle some extra tzatziki sauce or sprinkle some lemon juice for added flavor.
  6. Can I make the chicken gyros ahead of time?
    While it's best to assemble and serve the chicken gyros immediately for the freshest taste and texture, you can prepare the components in advance. Store the cooked chicken, tzatziki sauce, and sliced vegetables separately in the refrigerator, then assemble the gyros when ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Grill Pan - Used to cook the marinated chicken breasts.
  • Bowl - Used to mix the marinade for the chicken and to prepare the tzatziki sauce.
  • Refrigerator - Used to store the marinated chicken and chill the tzatziki sauce.
  • Knife - Used to slice the chicken into thin strips.
  • Grater - Used to grate the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce.
  • Cutting Board - Used as a surface for slicing the chicken and preparing the vegetables.
  • Spatula or Tongs - Used to flip and remove the chicken from the grill.
  • Grill or Oven - Used to warm the pitas.

Origin stories

The gyro, a beloved street-food staple, has roots tracing back to Greece where it was inspired by the Turkish doner kebab. The name "gyro" comes from the Greek word for "turn," a fitting name given the cooking method: the meat is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie, turning slowly to ensure even cooking. As the outer layers of meat are roasted to perfection, they are thinly sliced off and served in a warm pita. The gyro made its way to the United States in the 1960s and 70s, quickly gaining popularity, and has since become a fast-food favorite, not just in the States, but around the world. However, the classic Greek gyro uses pork or mutton; the chicken variation we know today is actually a more modern twist on the traditional recipe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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