Chicken Gyros – This Greek-inspired street food staple known for its tender, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy yogurt sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita.
What is a Chicken Gyro?
A chicken gyro (pronounced “yee-roh”) is a Greek dish typically made from marinated chicken that’s either grilled or cooked on a rotisserie. The chicken is sliced thin and served in a pita wrap, traditionally topped with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. It’s finished off with creamy tzatziki sauce, a yogurt-based sauce infused with cucumber, garlic, and herbs, which adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the seasoned chicken.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Gyro
To create an authentic chicken gyro at home, here are the main ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juiciness, though chicken breast can work too.
- Marinade: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and a touch of cumin bring out those Mediterranean flavors.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice form this iconic sauce.
- Pita Bread: Soft and pillowy, pita bread holds everything together.
- Vegetables: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion add crunch and a burst of freshness.
- Spices: Paprika, salt, and pepper add extra depth to the marinade.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Gyro
- Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: Ideally, marinate the chicken overnight. This deepens the flavor and ensures every bite is packed with zest.
- Drain the Cucumber: For the tzatziki sauce, drain the grated cucumber to avoid excess water, which keeps the sauce thick and creamy.
- Warm the Pita: A quick warm-up on the grill or in the oven softens the pita, making it easier to wrap and preventing cracks.
- Use Thighs Over Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, while breasts can be drier, especially if you skip marinating.
Variations on Chicken Gyro
While the classic chicken gyro is delicious on its own, here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Chicken Gyro: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or harissa to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Greek Salad Chicken Gyro Bowl: Skip the pita and serve the gyro ingredients over a bed of rice or couscous with extra veggies.
- Garlic Herb Gyro: Add extra garlic and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary to the marinade for a more aromatic flavor.
- Vegan Gyro: Substitute the chicken with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
How to Serve Chicken Gyro
- Classic Wrap Style: Wrap up the chicken, veggies, and sauce in a warm pita for a handheld meal.
- Open-Faced Gyro Plate: For a more elegant presentation, serve the pita on the side and layer the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki on a plate.
- Pair with Sides: Serve alongside Greek-inspired sides like roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or hummus and pita chips.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Gyros
- Storing Leftovers: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: While tzatziki sauce doesn’t freeze well, the marinated raw chicken can be frozen in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw, cook, and enjoy.
- Reheating Tips: For the best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make chicken gyros ahead of time?A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Just assemble everything right before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?A: No problem! A skillet or grill pan works just as well for cooking the marinated chicken. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?A: Absolutely. While homemade tzatziki adds a personal touch, store-bought versions work just as well if you’re short on time.
Q: Can I substitute the pita with another type of bread?A: Yes, naan or flatbread are great alternatives. For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead.
Chicken Gyros
Chicken Gyros - This Greek-inspired street food staple known for its tender, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy yogurt sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine/apple cider vinegar)
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full-fat is best)
- 1 tsp salt, a sprinkle of black pepper
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp dried oregano
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Sauce Base: 1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 cucumbers, grated & squeezed (about ½-¾ cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste, 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Salad & Pita
- ½ red onion, finely chopped (season with salt and pepper)
- 3 diced cucumbers, 3 deseeded and diced tomatoes
- Optional: ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 4-6 pita or flatbreads (warmed)
Instructions
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken, massage to coat, and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 2 hours (up to 12 hours for best flavor!).
- Halve cucumbers, remove seeds, then grate and squeeze out the excess water. Mix cucumber with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil. Let it sit for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- In a bowl, combine onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley if using. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill or heat a skillet with a bit of oil. Grill chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice if needed.
- Lay out a piece of parchment or foil, place your warmed pita in the center, add a scoop of salad, chicken, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Wrap up, twist the paper to secure, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 883Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 281mgSodium 2003mgCarbohydrates 86gFiber 8gSugar 14gProtein 77g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making a delicious, homemade chicken gyro! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Greece from the comfort of your own kitchen. With a bit of prep and a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also customizable to your taste. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or prepping for a summer cookout, this chicken gyro is sure to impress.
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