Chicken gyros are a delightful blend of flavors, bringing together the savory taste of grilled chicken with the refreshing coolness of tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe offers a balance of taste and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser. The homemade tzatziki, rich with Greek yogurt and cucumber, adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the seasoned chicken beautifully.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Assembly:
- 4 pitas
- Sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce for garnish
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by preparing the chicken. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken slices on it. Grill the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm the Pitas:
Warm the pitas in the oven or on the grill for about 1 minute on each side. This step ensures that the pitas are soft and pliable, making them easier to roll.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
To assemble the gyros, generously spread the creamy tzatziki sauce on each pita. Add a portion of the grilled chicken slices, then top with sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Roll up each pita tightly around the filling, ensuring the ingredients are well contained.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken gyros immediately while they’re warm. The combination of tender grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a soft pita creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This recipe offers a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, making it a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Enjoy the succulent chicken gyros with your favorite side dishes or a refreshing Greek salad.