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This juicy Greek chicken gyro recipe brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen with marinated chicken breast, homemade tzatziki, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in warm pita bread. After discovering this recipe during my travels through Greece, it's become my go-to dinner for transporting my family to the sunny Greek isles without leaving our dining room.
I first made these gyros after returning from Athens, trying to recreate that perfect street food experience. Now my children request "Greek night" weekly, gathering around to assemble their own wraps.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken breast thinly sliced creates the perfect texture and cooks quickly for weeknight convenience
- Olive oil helps tenderize the meat while adding Mediterranean flavor
- Lemon juice brightens the marinade and helps break down proteins for more tender chicken
- Garlic minced fresh provides essential Greek flavor profile always use fresh over jarred for best results
- Dried oregano adds authentic Greek herbaceous notes choose Mediterranean oregano if available
- Ground cumin brings subtle warmth and depth to the marinade
- Salt and pepper to taste always season generously
- For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek yogurt full fat provides the creamiest base select a thick strained variety
- Cucumber grated and well drained prevents watery sauce use English cucumbers for fewer seeds
- Garlic minced adds pungent flavor use fresh cloves for best results
- Lemon juice brings necessary acidity to balance the creamy yogurt
- Olive oil adds richness and authentic Mediterranean flavor
- Fresh dill or mint chopped finely offers bright herbal notes
- Salt and pepper to taste enhances all other flavors
- For the Gyros
- Pita bread rounds warm them before serving for authentic texture
- Tomatoes chopped ripe and in season for best flavor
- Red onions sliced thin for sharp contrast to the creamy sauce
- Cucumber chopped adds refreshing crunch use English variety if available
- Feta cheese crumbled provides salty tangy notes choose authentic Greek if possible
- Fresh parsley chopped brightens the entire dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast, ensuring each piece gets coated completely with the marinade. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination will yield the most flavorful results. The acidity from the lemon juice will tenderize the meat while the herbs infuse it with classic Greek flavors.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Mix Greek yogurt, properly drained grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in a bowl. The key here is ensuring your cucumber is thoroughly drained after grating press it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture which would otherwise make your sauce watery. Season with salt and pepper then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop fully and the garlic to mellow slightly.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan this ensures proper browning rather than steaming. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 4 minutes until completely cooked through with no pink remaining. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Assemble the Gyros
- Warm your pita bread rounds by placing each directly on a dry hot skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Lay each warmed pita flat and place a generous portion of your sliced chicken in the center. Next, layer on chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley. The warm bread will slightly soften the vegetables and begin to melt the feta.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce
- Spoon a generous amount of your homemade tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients. The cool, creamy sauce provides the perfect contrast to the warm, seasoned chicken. Be generous here as the sauce helps bind all the ingredients together and provides much of the moisture in the final gyro.
- Wrap and Serve
- Carefully fold the sides of the pita around the filling, creating a secure wrap. For easier eating, wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or foil. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the pita is soft and pliable. The contrast between the warm meat and bread with the cool vegetables and sauce creates the perfect temperature balance.
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My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the fresh dill in the tzatziki sauce. It reminds me of my grandmother's garden where she grew dill specifically for her homemade tzatziki. When I first made this recipe for my own children, seeing their faces light up with the same joy I experienced as a child made all the preparation worthwhile.
Authentic Greek Origins
Traditional gyros in Greece are often made with pork or lamb cooked on a vertical rotisserie. This homemade version adapts the classic preparation for the home kitchen using chicken breast for a lighter option. The combination of oregano, lemon, and garlic captures the essential Greek flavor profile that dates back centuries in Mediterranean cooking. In Greece, gyros are commonly street food, served from small stands where the meat cooks slowly all day, developing incredible flavor.
Make Ahead Options
The chicken marinade and tzatziki sauce can both be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making this an excellent meal prep option. Store the marinating chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop more deeply overnight. The tzatziki actually improves after resting for several hours as the garlic flavor mellows and integrates with the yogurt. Just give it a quick stir before serving as some liquid separation may occur.
Vegetarian Adaptation
For a delicious vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same marinade ingredients. Marinate tofu slices for at least one hour before pan frying until golden. For chickpeas, toss with the marinade ingredients and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes until crispy. The tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables provide so much flavor that many meat eaters won't even miss the chicken when trying this plant based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your gyros into a complete Greek feast by serving alongside traditional sides. A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta dressed with olive oil and lemon juice makes the perfect complementary dish. Lemon roasted potatoes with oregano offer a starchy side that pairs beautifully with the gyros. For an authentic experience, serve with a glass of crisp white wine or ouzo for the adults and finish the meal with honey drizzled Greek yogurt topped with walnuts and cinnamon.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, tzatziki sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to rest overnight enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- → What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in tzatziki?
If Greek yogurt isn't available, you can strain regular plain yogurt through a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess moisture. In a pinch, sour cream can be used, though it will produce a richer, less authentic tzatziki.
- → How do I prevent my gyros from falling apart when eating?
Wrap your gyros tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil, folding the bottom up first before wrapping the sides. This creates a secure pouch that holds ingredients in place while eating. Also, avoid overfilling and ensure your pita bread is fresh and pliable.
- → Can I use different meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional in this preparation, lamb, pork or beef can be excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian option, try marinated and grilled halloumi cheese, portobello mushrooms, or firm tofu using the same marinade.
- → How do I properly warm pita bread?
For best results, lightly sprinkle pita bread with water, wrap in aluminum foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or microwave between damp paper towels for 20 seconds.
- → What sides pair well with Greek chicken gyros?
Traditional accompaniments include Greek salad, lemon rice, roasted potatoes with oregano, or simple fried potatoes. For a lighter option, serve with a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.