Description
Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Gyros:
4 pita breads or flatbreads
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
½ cup thinly sliced red onions
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 tsp dill (fresh or dried)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken slices and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, grated cucumber, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread. Layer shredded lettuce, grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, and sliced onions. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve immediately!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect gyros every time. First, ensure your chicken breast is uniformly thin; pounding it slightly helps. For the marinade, whisk the oil, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl until emulsified before adding the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. While the chicken marinates, prepare your tzatziki. The critical step is thoroughly squeezing the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water; this prevents a watery sauce. Let the sauce rest in the fridge so the flavors meld. When grilling, ensure your pan or grill is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear. Avoid moving the chicken pieces for the first few minutes to achieve those desirable grill marks. Warm your pita bread briefly in a dry skillet or oven for the best pliable texture.
Serving Suggestions
These gyros are a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a classic Greek salad of cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. For a heartier plate, add lemon-herb roasted potatoes or a portion of crispy Greek fries. To complement the meal, offer a side of hummus with warm pita triangles for dipping. For a lighter option, a simple couscous or orzo salad works beautifully.
How-to Summary
Thinly slice chicken and marinate in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and Mediterranean spices. Grill until cooked through. Prepare tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), garlic, lemon, and dill. Warm pita bread and assemble with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, the grilled chicken, and a generous drizzle of the cool tzatziki sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They are more forgiving on the grill due to their higher fat content and will result in a juicier gyro. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take a minute or two longer.
- How long can I store the tzatziki sauce? Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade tzatziki will keep well for 3-4 days. It may release some water; simply stir it back in before serving.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes. You can marinate the chicken overnight and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Assemble the gyros just before serving to prevent the pita from becoming soggy.
- What if I don’t have a grill pan? A regular heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan works perfectly. You can also cook the chicken under a broiler for 5-7 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- How can I make this gluten-free? Simply use certified gluten-free pita bread or flatbread. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check spice blends and yogurt labels to be safe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not squeezing the cucumber: This is the top mistake, leading to a runny, diluted tzatziki sauce.
- Overcooking the chicken: Thin slices cook quickly. Overcooking leads to dry, tough chicken. Remove it from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.
- Using cold pita bread: A cold pita is more likely to tear. Warming it makes it soft, pliable, and more flavorful.
- Overstuffing the gyro: While tempting, overfilling makes it difficult to wrap and eat neatly. Use a moderate amount of filling for the best experience.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Gyros recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Greek street food to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of warmly spiced, juicy chicken and cool, creamy tzatziki wrapped in soft pita is endlessly satisfying. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!