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- 2 large chicken breasts - 4 cloves of garlic - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Juice from 1 lemon For the chicken gyros, I love using fresh chicken breasts. They are juicy and tender. The garlic adds a nice aroma. Oregano, cumin, and paprika give a warm flavor. Olive oil and lemon juice help to marinate the chicken well. - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber - Salt and pepper The tzatziki sauce makes this dish special. I use creamy Greek yogurt for a rich texture. Finely diced cucumber adds crunch and freshness. A touch of salt and pepper balances the flavors nicely. - 4 whole wheat pita breads - 1 medium tomato - ½ red onion - Fresh parsley To serve, I choose whole wheat pita breads. They are soft and healthy. Diced tomato and thinly sliced red onion add color and taste. Fresh parsley gives a nice pop on top. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients: - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Juice from 1 fresh lemon Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. Next, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You know the chicken is done when it has a slight char and is no longer pink inside. Let it rest for a moment after cooking. Now, let’s prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a separate bowl, combine: - 1 cup creamy Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, finely diced Stir until they mix well. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Adjust it to make it just right for you. For the pita breads, lightly toast them. You can do this on the grill or in the skillet. Toast for about 1 minute on each side. They should be soft and pliable to wrap easily. Now it’s time to assemble the gyros. Take a warm pita and place a generous portion of the cooked chicken in the center. Then, top it with: - Diced tomatoes - Thinly sliced red onion - A hearty dollop of tzatziki sauce Finally, garnish the gyros with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Wrap the pita around the filling to secure everything inside. Serve immediately for the best taste. For a nice touch, serve the gyros on a wooden board or plate. Add extra tzatziki in a small bowl for dipping, and include lemon wedges for added freshness. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the spices and oils time to soak in. You can also try adding some fresh herbs, like dill or mint, for a fresh twist. If you prefer a tangy kick, include some yogurt in your marinade. I recommend grilling your chicken for a smoky flavor. You can also use a skillet if you don't have a grill. Just make sure to preheat it first. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy. For your tzatziki sauce, mix Greek yogurt with diced cucumber. You can add a bit of garlic for a bolder taste or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you don’t have cucumber, try using grated zucchini. Just make sure to drain any excess water. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your liking. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible, to enhance the depth of flavor. Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Opt for a premium extra virgin olive oil to elevate the taste of your gyros, as it adds richness and depth. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Serve Immediately: For the best taste experience, serve the gyros right after assembling them while the chicken is still warm and the pita is soft. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for lamb or beef. Both meats have rich flavors. Lamb adds a unique taste, while beef gives a hearty bite. Just adjust the cooking time. For a vegetarian option, try grilled mushrooms or marinated tofu. These choices soak up flavors well and fit right in. Want more heat? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to your marinade. It brings a nice kick. For a fun twist, mix in spices like cinnamon or coriander. They can enhance the overall flavor and surprise your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs, too. Pair your gyros with a fresh Greek salad or crispy fries. These sides complement the dish nicely. You can also serve them as a bowl instead of in pitas. Just layer the chicken, toppings, and tzatziki in a bowl. It makes for a fun and healthy meal option. To keep your chicken gyros fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Place the chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate containers. This helps maintain their flavors and textures. Consume leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating the chicken, use a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the chicken juicy and warm. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. To freshen up pita bread, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds. This makes the pita soft and pliable again. You can freeze the chicken and tzatziki sauce separately. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This helps you store them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. For the tzatziki, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. Gyros comes from Greece. It means "turn" in Greek. The dish features meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Traditionally, it uses pork or chicken, served in pita. Gyros often includes fresh vegetables and sauces, like tzatziki. This dish reflects the rich flavors of Greek cuisine. It became popular in the 20th century and is now loved worldwide. Yes, you can prepare many parts ahead of time. Marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking. You can even do it the night before for more flavor. You can also make the tzatziki sauce in advance. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Toast the pita just before assembling the gyros for the best taste. Gyros pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve a Greek salad with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Roasted veggies are also a great choice. For a heartier option, try serving with rice or quinoa. You can also add some fries or pita chips for crunch. Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken strips on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked. Make sure to check that the chicken is no longer pink inside. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. To make vegan tzatziki, use dairy-free yogurt. Look for options made from coconut or almond milk. Mix this yogurt with the diced cucumber as usual. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. This way, you have a tasty sauce that fits a vegan diet. This article covers how to create delicious gyros. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, spices, and tzatziki sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking chicken, along with making the sauce. You also saw tips for variations and storage. Gyros can be a fun meal. They offer room for creativity with flavors and serving styles. Explore and enjoy making your own gyros at home!

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Delicious chicken gyros marinated in Mediterranean spices, served with tzatziki and fresh vegetables in warm pita bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 fresh lemon, juiced
  • 4 whole wheat pita breads
  • 1 cup creamy Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber finely diced
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, diced
  • 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes; for optimal flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a slight char, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a moment.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the finely diced cucumber. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
  • Lightly toast the whole wheat pita breads on the grill or in the skillet for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are soft and pliable, making them easier to wrap.
  • Take a warm pita and place a generous portion of the cooked chicken strips in the center. Then top with the diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a hearty dollop of the tzatziki sauce.
  • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Carefully wrap the pita around the filling to secure everything inside and serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Notes

Serve the gyros on a wooden board or plate, accompanied by extra tzatziki sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with lemon wedges for added freshness.
Keyword chicken, gyros, Mediterranean, pita, tzatziki