Description
Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber (grated and drained)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
4 pita breads or flatbreads
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cucumber (sliced)
½ red onion (sliced)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).
Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and golden brown. Slice into strips.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread on a skillet or grill.
Layer with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve:
Fold and serve warm. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect Chicken Gyros. First, prepare the marinade by thoroughly whisking the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all dried spices in a bowl. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Submerge the chicken in the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is ideal for deeper flavor.
While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is crucial to prevent a watery sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber with the Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season to taste, cover, and let it chill.
Cook the chicken on a preheated grill or in a hot skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Briefly warm your pita bread in a dry pan or oven to make it pliable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your assembled gyros immediately while the chicken and pita are warm. For a complete meal, pair them with classic Greek sides like a crisp Horiatiki salad (Greek village salad), lemon-herb roasted potatoes, or a simple rice pilaf. For a lighter option, serve with a side of marinated olives and feta cheese. Don’t forget extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping!
How-to Summary
To make Chicken Gyros: 1) Marinate chicken in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices. 2) Prepare tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with grated, drained cucumber, garlic, and dill. 3) Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked, then slice. 4) Warm pita bread and assemble with chicken, fresh veggies (tomato, cucumber, onion), and a generous drizzle of the chilled tzatziki sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice. They are more forgiving and often juicier, though slightly higher in fat. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How long can I store the tzatziki sauce? Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade tzatziki will keep for 3-4 days. It may release some water; simply stir it back in before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken overnight and make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Cook and slice the chicken, then store it separately. Assemble just before serving to prevent the pita from getting soggy.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill? You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill, though the flavor will be milder. Fresh mint or parsley can also be used for a different, but still delicious, herbal note.
How do I prevent my pita from tearing when folding? Ensure your pita is warm and pliable. Don’t overstuff it. Placing the fillings in the center, leaving a border, and folding the bottom up first creates a secure base.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: 1) Not draining the cucumber for tzatziki, which leads to a watery, diluted sauce. 2) Overcooking the chicken breasts, making them dry. Use a meat thermometer. 3) Skipping the marinating time, resulting in less flavorful chicken. 4) Using cold pita bread straight from the package, which can crack and tear. Always warm it briefly. 5) Assembling gyros too far in advance, causing the bread to become soggy.
Conclusion
Making restaurant-quality Chicken Gyros at home is straightforward and deeply rewarding. The combination of warmly spiced, juicy chicken with the cool, creamy tang of homemade tzatziki wrapped in soft pita is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following this guide, avoiding common errors, and using fresh ingredients, you can bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table any night of the week. Experiment with the serving suggestions and enjoy your culinary creation!