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- 500g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cucumber, peeled and grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt, to taste - 4 pita breads - 1 firm tomato, sliced - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - A handful of fresh lettuce or arugula When you make chicken gyros, freshness is key. I love using chicken breast because it’s lean and cooks well. The marinade adds flavor and moisture. For the tzatziki, Greek yogurt is a must. It gives a creamy texture. Grating the cucumber and squeezing out the water keeps the sauce from getting too runny. Don’t forget the toppings! Fresh veggies make your gyros bright and crunchy. Use warm pita bread for the best taste. These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing the chicken with olive oil and spices. In a bowl, add sliced chicken breast, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, refrigerate it overnight. While the chicken marinates, let’s make the tzatziki sauce. First, drain the moisture from the cucumber. Peel and grate the cucumber, then place it in a clean cloth or a paper towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with the drained cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add salt to taste. Mix everything well and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Chill the tzatziki sauce in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. This will give it a great texture and taste. While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread. You can do this in another skillet over low heat. Alternatively, place the pita in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will make the pita soft and warm, perfect for wrapping. Now, it’s time to assemble your gyros! Take a warm pita and lay a handful of fresh lettuce or arugula on it. Add a portion of the cooked chicken strips. Top it off with slices of fresh tomato and red onion. Finally, drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the filling. Wrap or fold the pita around the ingredients for easy handling. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken gyros! To make your chicken gyros pop, try different seasonings. You can add cumin for warmth or coriander for a fresh taste. Mix and match spices to find your favorite blend. For best results, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Always coat the chicken evenly to ensure every piece shines with flavor. When making tzatziki, adjust the flavors to your liking. Add more salt for a savory kick or extra lemon juice for tang. Always taste as you go to find that perfect balance. For a great texture, make sure to drain the cucumber well. After grating, use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze out excess water. This keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy, not watery. To get a nice sear on your chicken, heat your skillet well before adding the meat. This helps lock in the juices and adds flavor. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. A meat thermometer can help you check for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is both safe and juicy. Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill and mint in the tzatziki can elevate the flavor. Try adding a little fresh mint for a refreshing twist. Warm Pita Perfectly: To achieve the best texture, consider grilling the pita for a minute or two on each side instead of just warming them in a skillet. Customize Fillings: Feel free to add extra toppings like feta cheese, olives, or pickles for added flavor and texture. Get creative with your gyros! {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Beef or lamb works well. Slice them thinly like the chicken. For a lighter option, try tofu. Press the tofu to remove water, then marinate it just like the chicken. Cook it in the same way. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture. Want a veggie twist? Use grilled vegetables instead of meat. Peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are great choices. For a dressing, mix tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. This gives your gyros a creamy texture. You can also use hummus as a spread. It adds flavor and protein. To jazz up your gyros, add spices. Try cumin or coriander for warmth. A dash of chili powder brings a kick. You can also drizzle hot sauce for heat. For a tangier taste, use a splash of vinegar in the tzatziki. These small changes create unique flavors that surprise your taste buds. To keep your chicken gyros and tzatziki fresh, store them separately. Place any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge. For the tzatziki, use a clean jar. This will help it last up to 4 days. Always check for freshness before using. When reheating chicken gyros, avoid dry meat. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. For the tzatziki, simply give it a good stir. You can microwave it for 10-15 seconds if you want it warm. Freezing is a great way to save time. You can freeze the cooked chicken and the tzatziki sauce. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months. For the tzatziki, freeze it in small containers. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when ready to use. Just remember, fresh veggies like tomatoes and lettuce should not be frozen. Add them fresh when serving. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. First, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, marinate it as the recipe suggests. Make sure the chicken is fully thawed. This helps the spices stick better and ensures even cooking. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt. Strain it through a cheesecloth to get a thicker texture. Another option is sour cream. It won’t taste the same, but it adds creaminess. Coconut yogurt works for a dairy-free version, too. Each option gives tzatziki a slightly different taste, but they all work well. To make gluten-free gyros, you need gluten-free pita bread. Many stores sell this option now. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. Simply fill the lettuce leaves with chicken and toppings. This gives you the same great flavors without the gluten. Make sure to check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. Tzatziki sauce typically lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer. If you notice any change in color or smell, it’s best to throw it away. Always give it a stir before using, as separation can occur. Enjoy this sauce with various dishes for the best taste! Making gyros at home is simple and fun. Start with tender, marinated chicken and a fresh tzatziki sauce. You can customize the toppings and even switch proteins if you want. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these tips and steps, you can create a delicious meal that satisfies. Enjoy your gyros, and feel free to experiment for your best version yet!

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

Delicious Greek-style chicken gyros served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 pieces pita breads
  • 1 firm tomato, sliced
  • 1 piece red onion, thinly sliced
  • a handful fresh lettuce or arugula
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 piece cucumber, peeled and grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the chicken pieces are well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature, or for optimal flavor, refrigerate for up to overnight.
  • While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce. First, drain the grated cucumber by placing it into a clean cloth or using a paper towel to squeeze out excess moisture. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to serve for the best flavor.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned for a delicious texture.
  • During the last few minutes of cooking the chicken, warm the pita bread. This can be done by adding them to another skillet over low heat or placing them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they are soft and heated through.
  • To assemble, take a warm pita bread and lay a generous handful of fresh lettuce or arugula on top. Add a portion of the cooked chicken strips, followed by a few slices of fresh tomato and red onion. Finish with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce over the filling.
  • Wrap or fold the pita around the filled ingredients for easy handling. Serve immediately, accompanied by additional tzatziki on the side for extra dipping pleasure.

Notes

Arrange the gyros on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for presentation.
Keyword chicken, Greek cuisine, gyros, tzatziki