Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Shredded lettuce
• Feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add chicken strips to the marinade and coat thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess liquid to prevent watery sauce), minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil if needed.
2. Cook the marinated chicken strips for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

1. Place a pita bread or flatbread on a plate.
2. Spread a generous spoonful of Tzatziki sauce on the bread.
3. Add a few pieces of cooked chicken, followed by sliced tomatoes, red onion, shredded lettuce, and crumbled feta (if desired).
4. Wrap up the gyro or serve it flat, as preferred.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Pork, lamb, or beef can be substituted for the chicken, though cooking times may vary.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and skip the feta cheese.

Q: How do I make sure the Tzatziki sauce is thick and creamy?
A: Drain the cucumber thoroughly to remove excess moisture; this helps prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

Tips for Making Perfect Gyros

1. Marinate the Chicken Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, aim for 2 hours.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: The tomatoes, lettuce, and onion should be fresh to provide a good contrast to the marinated chicken.
3. Squeeze the Cucumber: This prevents the Tzatziki from becoming too thin and runny.
4. Warm the Pita Bread: Briefly heat the pita on a skillet or in the oven, making it more pliable and enhancing the flavors.

Storage Tips

• Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
• Assembled Gyros: It’s best to assemble the gyros right before eating. However, you can prepare each component separately and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Gyro recipe is a simple, delicious way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen. With marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and homemade Tzatziki sauce, it’s a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this gyro for lunch, dinner, or even as a special treat for gatherings.What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences—adding extra veggies, swapping out the chicken for other proteins, or even making it vegetarian by using grilled vegetables in place of the meat. This recipe is great for busy weeknights, as it doesn’t require extensive cooking or complicated steps, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests, offering them a unique and satisfying meal experience.

Once you try this, you may find yourself coming back for more, making it a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of Greece with every bite!