Ever wondered why Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are so tasty? This recipe is a mix of marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh salad. It’s all wrapped in soft flatbread or pita. Each bite is like a trip to Greece, filled with rich flavors.

This recipe comes from Nagi’s “Dinner” cookbook. It’s known for its strong garlic and oregano smell. The chicken is marinated in garlic and oregano, making it tender. The tzatziki sauce adds a smooth, Mediterranean taste.

• Total prep time: 20 minutes (excluding marinade)
• Cook time: 6 minutes
• Optional marinade time: 3 hours (recommended for best results)
• Servings: 4 to 6
• Highly rated: 4.99 out of 5 stars from over 433 votes
• Includes detailed nutritional information

Ready to make this delicious Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe? Let’s start this tasty journey!

Gyros are a favorite in the Mediterranean, known for their savory taste. The chicken is marinated in a mix of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. This makes the chicken tender and full of flavor, a hit for those wanting to try Greek gyros at home.

Gyros are special because of their mix of textures and tastes. The chicken is tender and juicy, paired with creamy tzatziki sauce. The tzatziki is made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill, adding a cool touch.

Tomatoes, pickled onions, and lettuce add crunch and flavor. All together, they make a dish that’s both tasty and comforting.

Gyros come from Greece’s street food scene, influenced by Turkish immigrants in the 19th century. The name “gyro” means “turn,” referring to the rotisserie cooking. Originally, gyros were pork or lamb, but chicken is now a favorite for its lighter taste.

Now, people all over the world can make Greek gyros at home. It’s a way to enjoy this classic Greek dish in your own kitchen.

Making a Greek chicken gyro recipe starts with the right ingredients. These ingredients bring out the traditional flavors. They also improve the dish’s texture and look. Let’s explore what you need to make this tasty meal at home.

The heart of a Greek chicken gyro is the marinated chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For better flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. The best time is up to 24 hours.

A Greek chicken gyro isn’t complete without homemade tzatziki sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/4 cups plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, low-fat, or whole milk)
• 1 large cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• Salt to taste

These ingredients mix well to create a creamy and tangy sauce. It’s a perfect match for the savory chicken.

The last touches for your Greek chicken gyro recipe are the fresh ingredients for assembling and serving:

• 4 warm pita or flatbreads, microwaved for 15-20 seconds
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped

These ingredients add color and texture. They also enhance the dish’s flavor.

Marinating the chicken is key to making delicious Mediterranean chicken gyros. It adds rich flavors and tenderizes the meat. We’ll show you how to make a tasty marinade for your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe.

It’s important to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They make the gyros juicy and tender. You’ll need 2 to 2.5 lbs of chicken thighs, which is about 12-16 pieces. Their fat content keeps the gyros moist and full of flavor.

The marinade should have garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, and spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika or regular paprika
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes

Making the marinade is easy. It helps your chicken soak up all the flavors:

1. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, spices, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Stir well to coat each piece. Use a ziplock bag or airtight container for best results.
3. Seal it tight and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. But for the best flavor, marinate it for 3 to 24 hours.

A well-made marinade makes Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe even better. Take your time with this step for the best taste.

Cooking the marinated chicken right is key to getting the real taste of Greek gyros. You can grill Greek chicken or try other ways to cook it. The goal is to keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor.

To grill Greek chicken, use medium-high heat. This helps get that golden brown outside. Put the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes. This makes it golden brown and juicy.

This method keeps the chicken moist and adds a smoky taste. It’s what makes traditional gyros so special.

If you can’t grill, there are other ways to cook chicken gyro. A stovetop grill pan works well, giving you grill marks and even heat. Or, bake the chicken in the oven at 425°F. Start by baking for 15 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp it up.

No matter how you cook it, checking if the chicken is done is important. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s at 165°F. This ensures the chicken is cooked and safe to eat. When it’s done right, the chicken is tender and juicy, making your gyro unforgettable.

Making homemade tzatziki sauce is a fun process that makes Greek chicken gyros even better. This cool sauce needs top-notch ingredients for the best taste and feel. Let’s explore how to make it and some tasty variations.

For a creamy tzatziki, you need fresh stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Greek Yogurt: 1 cup of high-quality Greek yogurt
• Baby Cucumbers: 2 baby cucumbers, finely grated and drained
• Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Lemon Zest: 1/2 teaspoon for a hint of citrus flavor
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt: Pinch of salt to taste

Follow these steps for a tasty tzatziki sauce:

1. Drain the Cucumber: Start by grating the cucumbers and then drain the water well. Use a cheesecloth or a fine strainer. This step is key to avoid a watery sauce.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon zest, and olive oil.
3. Season and Refrigerate: Add a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour. This lets the flavors blend perfectly.

There are many ways to make your tzatziki sauce your own:

• Herb Variations: Try using mint instead of dill, or add parsley for a new flavor.
• Garlic Intensity: You can add more or less garlic, depending on how strong you like it.
• Creamier Texture: For a creamier sauce, add some cream or more Greek yogurt.

Learning to make tzatziki is easy and rewarding. Try these variations to find your favorite.

Learning how to assemble Greek gyros is all about mixing flavors and textures. Here’s a simple guide to make the perfect gyro.

Start by warming your pita bread. This makes it easier to wrap without tearing. Grill each side for 15-30 seconds.

Layering is crucial when making gyros. Begin with two to three cups of chopped romaine lettuce. Then, add the grilled chicken, which should be juicy and flavorful.

Top it with tzatziki sauce. This sauce, made with Greek yogurt, garlic, and dill, balances the chicken’s richness. This way, every bite is a perfect mix of meat, sauce, and veggies.

For traditional gyro toppings, use thinly sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, and fresh lettuce. These add crunch and freshness. You can also add cucumber slices or feta cheese for extra texture.

Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice. It brings out all the flavors in your gyro.

When serving Greek chicken gyros, pair them with traditional Greek side dishes. This makes the meal feel truly Greek. Try a fresh Greek salad or oven-roasted potatoes with garlic and lemon. These sides add variety in taste and texture.

Choose side dishes that bring out the best in your Greek gyros. A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese is a refreshing choice. Oven-roasted potatoes with garlic and lemon add warmth and flavor. These options make the meal more satisfying and flavorful.

Drinks are important for a complete dining experience. Choose traditional Greek wines like Assyrtiko or Moschofilero. They complement the spices in the gyros with their crisp acidity. For something different, try Ouzo, an anise-flavored spirit that pairs well with Greek cuisine.

How you present your Greek chicken gyros matters. Arrange the gyros on a large platter with colorful sides like Greek salad and roasted potatoes. Use pita bread or flatbread to keep things intact. Place toppings like fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and feta in a way that looks good. This makes your dish inviting and appealing.

Enjoying your Greek chicken gyros is just the start. Storing leftovers right keeps them fresh for later. Whether it’s the chicken or the tzatziki, the right storage and reheating make a big difference.

Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers. Cooked chicken gyros can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is a good choice. Frozen chicken can last up to 3 months.

Always label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long your leftovers have been stored.

Reheating chicken gyros right is key to keeping flavor and moisture. Warm the chicken gently in a pan over low heat or in a low-temperature oven. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Avoid microwaving chicken as it can dry it out.

Tzatziki sauce is best served chilled. Microwaving it can make it separate and lose its texture. Instead, stir it well and serve it straight from the fridge.

Finding dietary alternatives for gyros is key for those with special needs or preferences. Whether you want a vegan option or healthier substitutes, there are many ways to enjoy gyros’ flavors.

Substituting ingredients without losing flavor is crucial. Try using grilled vegetables or tofu instead of chicken. Coconut yogurt makes a great dairy-free tzatziki sauce, perfect for those with lactose intolerance.

Vegan gyro options offer a world of tasty choices. Use plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils, seasoned and grilled like meat. Whole wheat pita adds nutrition, and fresh herbs and veggies boost flavor and health.

These substitutions let you enjoy gyros’ rich taste while meeting different dietary needs. Offering alternatives means everyone can enjoy this classic dish.

Exploring new methods and ingredients can change your Greek gyro experience. It meets dietary needs and brings new flavors. Below are some common questions about making gyros gluten-free and using different proteins.

To make a tasty gluten-free gyro recipe, you just need to make a few swaps. Use gluten-free pita or flatbread instead of traditional pita. You can find these at health food stores and most supermarkets. Also, make sure all seasonings and marinades are gluten-free.

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info for our gluten-free gyro:

Yes, you can swap the chicken for other proteins to make a tasty gyro. Alternative proteins for gyros include lamb, beef, or even tofu or seitan. Just marinate and cook them like chicken to keep the flavors right.

For example:

• Lamb: A classic choice that adds a rich, savory taste to your gyros. Marinate and cook it like chicken, but watch the time to avoid overcooking.
• Beef: A great choice, offering a hearty and robust flavor. Use sirloin for the best taste.
• Plant-Based: Tofu, seitan, or tempeh are good substitutes. They soak up marinades well, making them tasty for vegetarians or those cutting down on meat.

Each protein offers unique nutritional benefits, making your gyro-making experience better. Enjoy making your gyros with these versatile and tasty protein options!

Creating this authentic Greek gyros recipe is a big accomplishment. It shows how much you value the Mediterranean’s vibrant flavors. You’ve marinated chicken, made creamy tzatziki sauce, and put together a dish that’s both tasty and culturally rich.

It took about 3 hours and 45 minutes to prepare, including 2 hours of marinating. Your hard work paid off, making it all worth it.

This journey was full of flavor, from choosing 2 pounds of chicken to grilling it perfectly. You grilled the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. This made it juicy and delicious.

The tzatziki sauce, made with cucumber, yogurt, and more, added freshness. Cherry tomatoes, red onions, and soft pita bread completed the dish. Together, they created a mix of textures and tastes that are truly Greek.

Now, it’s your turn to make a homemade gyros. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, this recipe is a fun challenge. By following the marinade ratios and making sure your tzatziki is creamy, you can bring Greece’s flavors to your home.

Remember, great gyros need patience and the right balance of ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Start this culinary journey and let your taste buds enjoy the true taste of Greece.