Greek Chicken Gyro: A Delicious Mediterranean Dish

The Greek Chicken Gyro is a mouthwatering dish that originates from the sunny Mediterranean region. This flavorful and nutritious meal is a staple in Greek cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide. Made with tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, the Greek Chicken Gyro is a perfect combination of flavors that will transport you to the streets of Greece. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, steps, variations, tips, and FAQs for making the perfect Greek Chicken Gyro.

Ingredients

To make the Greek Chicken Gyro, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

– 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

– 1 cup Greek yogurt

– 1 cucumber, grated and drained

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

– Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

– Pita bread

– Fresh tomatoes, sliced

– Red onion, thinly sliced

– Lettuce, shredded

Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In another bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.

Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

4. Assemble the Gyro

Warm the pita bread in a pan or microwave. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the pita bread.

Place a few slices of grilled chicken on top of the tzatziki sauce. Add sliced tomatoes, red onion, and shredded lettuce.

Roll the pita bread tightly to form a gyro wrap. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Variations

The Greek Chicken Gyro can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Greek Lamb Gyro:

Replace the chicken with tender slices of marinated lamb for a rich and flavorful gyro.

Vegetarian Gyro:

Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian option.

Seafood Gyro:

Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp or fish for a refreshing and light seafood gyro.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Greek Chicken Gyro turns out perfectly:

– For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

– Use Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce.

– Grate the cucumber and drain the excess moisture to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

– Warm the pita bread before assembling the gyro to make it more pliable.

– Add a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the gyro for an extra burst of freshness.

Conclusion

The Greek Chicken Gyro is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate. With its tender marinated chicken, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, this gyro is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it at a Greek restaurant or making it at home, the Greek Chicken Gyro is a culinary delight that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful gyro. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to use. Just give it a good stir before serving.

3. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyro and savor the flavors of Greece!

Greek Chicken Gyro | Akis Petretzikis

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek

Difficulty: medium

Servings

4

Prep time

60 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Calories

320 kcal

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The Greek Chicken Gyro is a mouthwatering dish made with tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, creating a perfect combination of flavors from the Mediterranean cuisine.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Pita bread
• Fresh tomatoes, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Lettuce, shredded

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
2. Mix Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to prepare tzatziki sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Grill marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Slice into thin strips.
4. Warm pita bread, spread tzatziki sauce, add grilled chicken, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce on top. Roll tightly to form a gyro wrap.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 320

Fat: 12

Carbohydrates: 26

Protein: 28

Sodium: 500

Fiber: 4

Sugar: 6