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Greek Chicken Gyros

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    There’s nothing quite like a well-made Greek Chicken Gyro. Wrapped in warm pita bread, marinated chicken is combined with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce, delivering a burst of Mediterranean flavors with every bite. Making chicken gyros at home is not only satisfying but allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking.

    In this recipe, we’ll break down how to marinate and cook the chicken, prepare a refreshing tzatziki sauce, and assemble your perfect gyro wrap. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that will quickly become a favorite at your table.

    Why You’ll Love These Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros
    Flavor-packed marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil.
    Healthy and fresh: Loaded with vegetables and grilled chicken, it’s a healthy option for lunch or dinner.
    Easy to make: Though it sounds fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare with common ingredients.
    Customizable: Add more toppings or switch up the vegetables to suit your tastes.
    Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros
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    For the Chicken Marinade

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    :
    4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    ½ teaspoon paprika
    Salt and black pepper, to taste
    For the Tzatziki Sauce:
    1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    1 small cucumber, grated
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 clove garlic, minced
    1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
    Salt and black pepper, to taste
    For the Gyro Assembly:
    4 pita bread rounds
    1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
    1-2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
    ½ cucumber, sliced or chopped
    Lettuce or mixed greens
    Feta cheese (optional)
    Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:
    Mixing bowls
    Sharp knife
    Grill pan or skillet
    Tongs
    Grater (for cucumber)
    Whisk
    Step-by-Step Recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros
    1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though for best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours (or overnight if possible).

    2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
    While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out any excess water using a clean towel or paper towels. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped dill or mint. Mix well, season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.

    3. Cook the Chicken
    Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness, until cooked through and slightly charred. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

    4. Warm the Pita Bread
    While the chicken is resting, warm the pita bread. You can heat the pita rounds in the same pan or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable.

    5. Assemble the Gyros
    To assemble your gyros, lay out a warm pita round and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce in the center. Add a handful of sliced chicken, then layer on the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce or greens. For a salty, creamy touch, sprinkle some crumbled feta on top. Wrap the pita around the filling, folding it like a taco or burrito.

    6. Serve
    Serve the gyros immediately, garnished with extra tzatziki or a side of Greek salad. If you want, you can wrap the base of the gyro in foil or parchment paper to keep the fillings neatly tucked in while eating.

    Tips and Variations
    Chicken substitutions: If you prefer, you can use pork, beef, or lamb instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.
    Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian gyro.
    Add olives: For an authentic Greek touch, add some sliced Kalamata olives to the filling.
    Spice it up: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce over the filling before wrapping.
    How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
    If you have leftovers, store the chicken and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave before assembling the gyros.

    Tzatziki sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days but should not be frozen due to the yogurt’s texture.

    Freezing:
    You can freeze the marinated chicken (uncooked) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

    Serving Suggestions
    Greek Chicken Gyros pair wonderfully with other Mediterranean dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

    Greek salad: A classic side with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
    Oven-roasted potatoes: Crispy lemony Greek potatoes are the perfect match.
    Feta fries: French fries topped with crumbled feta cheese and oregano.
    For drinks, consider serving gyros with:

    Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
    White wine or rosé for a light, crisp pairing.
    Greek beer like Mythos or Fix.
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
    Yes, if you’re short on time, you can absolutely use store-bought tzatziki. However, making your own is fresher and allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.

    What type of chicken works best for gyros?
    Chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender, even after grilling. However, chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer a leaner option.

    Can I make these gyros ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prep the chicken and tzatziki ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the gyros. Just reheat the chicken and warm the pita before serving.

    Call to Action
    These Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more Mediterranean-inspired dishes and cooking tips!

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