Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Chicken gyros with tzatziki, a symphony of flavors wrapped in warm pita bread, is a dish that transports me straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. Imagine tender, marinated chicken, perfectly seasoned and bursting with savory goodness, nestled alongside crisp vegetables and a creamy, cool tzatziki sauce. Are you already drooling? I know I am just thinking about it!

The gyro, with its roots in the Turkish doner kebab, has become a beloved street food staple across the globe, particularly in Greece. Greek immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America and beyond, adapting and refining the gyro to create the delicious version we know and love today. While traditionally made with lamb or beef, this chicken gyros with tzatziki recipe offers a lighter, equally satisfying alternative that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The juicy, flavorful chicken contrasts beautifully with the refreshing crunch of the vegetables, all brought together by the tangy, garlicky tzatziki. It’s also incredibly convenient! Whether you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, let’s get started and bring a little bit of Greece into your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Gyro:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• 6-8 pita breads
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Marinating the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to amazing chicken gyros is a flavorful marinade. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! The longer the chicken marinates, the more delicious it will be. I usually aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, sliced onion, and minced garlic.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated.
4. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! The seasoning will mellow out during cooking.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Making the Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. This cool and creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the savory chicken. It’s super easy to make, and you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. I like mine with a good amount of garlic and dill!

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is important to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the sauce thicken slightly.

Cooking the Chicken:

Now for the fun part – cooking the chicken! There are a few different ways you can cook the chicken for gyros. I’m going to describe two methods: pan-frying and baking. Pan-frying is faster and gives the chicken a nice sear, while baking is a bit more hands-off.

Pan-Frying Method:

1. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Once all the chicken is cooked, you can roughly chop it into smaller pieces if desired.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Once the chicken is cooked, you can roughly chop it into smaller pieces if desired.

Warming the Pita Bread:

Warm pita bread is essential for a great gyro! You can warm them in a skillet, in the oven, or even in the microwave. My preferred method is the skillet, as it gives them a nice, slightly crispy texture.

Skillet Method:

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one pita bread in the skillet at a time.
3. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, or until the pita is warm and slightly pliable. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily!
4. Remove the warmed pita bread from the skillet and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm.
5. Repeat with the remaining pita breads.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wrap the pita breads in aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the pita breads are warm and pliable.

Microwave Method:

1. Wrap the pita breads in a damp paper towel.
2. Microwave for 10-20 seconds per pita bread, or until warm and pliable. Be careful not to over-microwave, as they can become tough.

Assembling the Gyros:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the gyros! This is where you get to be creative and customize your gyro to your liking. I like to load mine up with lots of chicken, tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onions.

1. Lay a warmed pita bread flat on a plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the pita bread.
3. Top with a generous portion of cooked chicken.
4. Add sliced tomatoes and red onions.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
6. Fold the pita bread in half or roll it up to create a gyro.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for a little extra heat.
• Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your gyros, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or lettuce.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel for a vegetarian option.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the tzatziki sauce, such as mint or cilantro.
• Make it ahead: The chicken can be marinated and cooked ahead of time. The tzatziki sauce can also be made in advance. Simply assemble the gyros when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a passport to the sun-drenched flavors of Greece, right in your own kitchen. I truly believe this chicken gyros with tzatziki recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meals. The combination of the perfectly seasoned, tender chicken, the cool and creamy tzatziki, and the warm, pillowy pita bread is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you craving more.

But why is it a must-try, you ask? Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with a dish that feels both exotic and comforting. Forget takeout; this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and far more rewarding.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing these chicken gyros. While traditionally served in warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes fries, feel free to get creative!

* Gyro Bowls: For a lighter option, skip the pita and serve the chicken and tzatziki over a bed of rice or quinoa with your favorite vegetables. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a salty tang that complements the other flavors beautifully.
* Gyro Salad: Transform the gyros into a vibrant salad by tossing the chicken, tzatziki, and vegetables with mixed greens. A lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect finishing touch.
* Spicy Gyros: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tzatziki for a spicy kick.
* Vegetarian Gyros: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
* Tzatziki Variations: Experiment with different herbs in your tzatziki. Dill is classic, but mint or parsley can also add a refreshing twist. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
* Homemade Pita Bread: While store-bought pita bread works perfectly fine, consider making your own for an extra special touch. There are many easy recipes available online.

I encourage you to experiment and find your own perfect combination of flavors and ingredients. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this classic dish!

Time to Get Cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love the authentic flavors and the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so relax, put on some music, and let the aromas of Greece fill your kitchen.

Once you’ve made your own chicken gyros with tzatziki, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the final result. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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