Sizzling Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe: Homemade Magic

Sizzling Mediterranean flavors dance through this authentic chicken gyros recipe that brings street food magic right to your kitchen.

Tender marinated chicken carries robust spices that turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

The secret lies in a perfect blend of herbs and marinades that infuse each bite with incredible depth.

Fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, and earthy oregano create a symphony of tastes that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Greece.

Every slice of succulent chicken promises a delightful journey through traditional Greek cooking techniques.

You’ll love how simple ingredients combine to create such a mouthwatering meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to craft a gyros experience that will become a permanent favorite in your recipe collection.

Delicious Chicken Gyros:: Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates tender, juicy meat for gyros.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and brings bright, zesty freshness to the marinade.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor that complements Mediterranean cuisine perfectly.
• Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Signature Greek seasoning blend that elevates the chicken's taste profile.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides tangy, smooth texture for the traditional sauce.
• Cucumber: Adds crisp freshness and light crunch to the cooling sauce.
• Dill: Brings herbaceous, delicate flavor that enhances the Mediterranean character.
• Garlic: Contributes sharp, pungent notes to the tzatziki's complex taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the yogurt's richness.

• Pita Bread: Soft, flexible wrap that holds all ingredients together.
• Lettuce: Provides fresh, crisp layer with subtle green flavor.
• Tomatoes: Adds juicy, sweet-tangy element to balance other ingredients.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbly, salty cheese that brings authentic Greek character to the dish.

Tools for Grilling and Assembling Chicken Gyros

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect char marks.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Grater: Used to prepare cucumber for tzatziki sauce.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for marinating chicken and preparing tzatziki.
• Paper Towels: Help squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber.
• Zip-Lock Bag or Marinating Container: Great for chicken marinade.
• Cutting Board: Provides surface for food preparation.

Steps to Build Delicious Chicken Gyros at Home

• Chicken Flavor Bath

Blend together tangy yogurt, zesty herbs, and aromatic spices to create a mouth-watering marinade. Let chicken soak up these delicious flavors for several hours, allowing every fiber to become incredibly tasty.

• Sizzling Chicken Transformation

Cook chicken on a blazing hot grill until golden and perfectly charred. Slice the juicy meat into tender strips that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Creamy Cucumber Companion

Grate fresh cucumber and mix with silky yogurt, creating a cool and refreshing sauce. Add minced garlic, delicate herbs, and a splash of lemon for a burst of bright flavor. Chill the sauce to let ingredients mingle and develop a rich taste profile.

• Gyro Wrap Magic

Gently warm soft bread wraps. Spread a generous layer of cool cucumber sauce, layer with steaming chicken strips, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato slices. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a tangy finish. Fold or roll the wrap into a delightful handheld feast that promises pure culinary joy.

Sauce, Toppings, and Seasoning Tweaks

• Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken to uniform thickness before marinating, which helps seasonings penetrate deeply and creates tender meat.
• Adjust garlic and dill quantities to match your personal taste preference, creating a sauce that ranges from mild to boldly tangy.
• Use room temperature flatbreads or pitas, slightly warmed on a skillet, to prevent cracking and enhance overall texture when folding your gyros.
• Replace chicken with affordable alternatives like pork, lamb, or plant-based proteins while maintaining the same delicious Mediterranean marinade profile.
• Prepare chicken and tzatziki sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, allowing quick assembly of fresh gyros during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 28 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

Serving Chicken Gyros with a Mediterranean Touch

• Greek Family Feast Night: Create a vibrant Mediterranean-style dinner with these gyros as the centerpiece, surrounded by colorful salads and olives.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack components separately in compartmentalized containers for a delightful outdoor meal that lets everyone assemble their own gyros with fresh ingredients.
• Leftovers Transformation: Repurpose remaining chicken and tzatziki into a refreshing salad or use as a protein-packed topping for garden greens, maximizing the recipe's potential.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Cut gyros into smaller bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks for an elegant finger food that showcases the delicious Greek flavors at gatherings.

Chicken Gyros Storage Tips for Prep Ahead

• Refrigerator Smart Storage: Keep leftover chicken gyros wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or sealed containers for maximum freshness. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Marination Magic: Prepare chicken marinade up to 24 hours ahead, storing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This technique intensifies flavors and saves precious cooking time.
• Sauce Survival Strategy: Homemade tzatziki sauce remains delicious when stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Always stir before serving to restore creamy consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cooked chicken can be frozen for future meals. Slice and store in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Authentic Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 28 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Greek street cuisine shines through this delicious chicken gyros recipe, offering a perfect blend of marinated meat and fresh accompaniments. Crisp pita bread wraps tender, herb-infused chicken, inviting you to savor Mediterranean flavors with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb (907 g) chicken thighs, fat removed
• 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) whole fat Greek yogurt
• 4 pita or lavash bread wraps
• 6 oz (170 g) feta cheese
• 2 tomatoes, cubed
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 head lettuce, sliced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tsps red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cucumber, peeled, grated and squeezed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps chopped dill
• ½ tbsp finely chopped or minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a container, thoroughly coating chicken pieces and refrigerating for 4-8 hours to intensify flavor absorption.
2. Grill Chicken: Heat grill to high temperature, searing chicken pieces to create caramelized char marks, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until reaching safe internal temperature and achieving golden-brown exterior.
3. Prepare Tzatziki: Deseed and finely grate cucumber, removing excess moisture with a kitchen towel. Blend grated cucumber with yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice, creating a creamy, vibrant sauce.
4. Chill Sauce: Refrigerate tzatziki for 15-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop complex taste profile.
5. Warm Flatbread: Gently heat pita or flatbread to enhance flexibility and release subtle bread aromatics.
6. Assemble Gyros: Layer warm bread with tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken slices, crisp lettuce, tomato, and crumbled feta cheese.
7. Wrap and Serve: Carefully fold gyro, securing ingredients within the bread, creating a compact, mouthwatering handheld meal ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in marinade overnight for deep, rich taste that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
• Grill with Precision: Achieve perfect char marks by maintaining high heat and turning chicken at exact 3-4 minute intervals to ensure even cooking.
• Tzatziki Texture Trick: Remove excess cucumber moisture completely to prevent a runny sauce, guaranteeing a thick, creamy consistency.
• Bread Warming Technique: Slightly warm flatbread just before assembling to enhance flexibility and unlock subtle bread aromas, preventing dry or brittle wraps.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg