Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and served in warm pita breads with fresh vegetables and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. The lemon-herb marinade imparts bright, zesty flavors complemented by the cool cucumber-dill yogurt sauce, creating an authentic and delicious Greek street food experience that can be enjoyed at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bread
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 Greek pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chopped lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
Lemon-Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful lemon-herb marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then slice it thinly for assembling the gyros.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Place pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until softened and heated through, making them pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros: On each warm pita, layer sliced grilled chicken followed by sliced red onions, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of homemade tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients to add a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita over the fillings and wrap with foil or parchment paper to make it easier to handle and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the cucumber in the tzatziki is well-drained to avoid watery sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to prevent under or overcooking the chicken.
- Optional: add feta cheese or olives inside the gyro for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- You can substitute grill cooking with a grill pan or stovetop skillet if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
