Greek Chicken Gyros is one of those recipes that transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with just one bite. If you’ve ever enjoyed this street food favorite, you know how much flavor and satisfaction it brings to the table. But have you ever wondered how to recreate that magic at home? In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare the perfect Greek Chicken Gyros. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to make tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in soft pita, complemented with a refreshing tzatziki sauce and a crisp, vibrant salad.
This recipe will not only provide you with all the details you need but also cover aspects often overlooked by others—things like marinating techniques, key ingredient substitutions, and the secrets to making the best tzatziki. So, let’s dive right in!
What is Greek Chicken Gyros?
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what Greek Chicken Gyros are. At its core, a Gyros is a popular Greek dish that involves meat (often chicken, lamb, or pork) that is seasoned, cooked, and then wrapped in a flatbread or pita along with fresh vegetables and sauces. Chicken Gyros, specifically, is the version where tender pieces of chicken are marinated, grilled, and combined with refreshing condiments like tzatziki and a fresh salad.
The secret to a great Chicken Gyros lies in the marinade and tzatziki, which elevate the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, making each bite a delicious experience.
Ingredients in Greek Chicken Gyros
To make the perfect Greek Chicken Gyros, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:
Chicken Marinade Ingredients
Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): Chicken thighs are typically used because they’re tender and juicy when grilled. They absorb the marinade better than chicken breasts.
Greek yogurt: The hero of the marinade! It tenderizes the chicken and acts as a great flavor carrier. Full-fat yogurt works best, as it ensures a rich texture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that fragrant depth of flavor essential for Greek marinades.
Olive oil: A must-have for a silky marinade and to help grill the chicken without sticking.
Lemon juice: The acidity from lemon helps balance the richness of the marinade and tenderizes the chicken.
Vinegar: White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar adds an extra tang to the marinade.
Dried oregano: Oregano is synonymous with Greek cuisine and gives the dish its iconic flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning for the marinade to enhance all the other flavors.
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
Cucumbers: Grated cucumbers add freshness to the tzatziki.
Greek yogurt: Just like the marinade, tzatziki also uses Greek yogurt, which is the base of this creamy, tangy sauce.
Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way to make tzatziki flavorful.
Lemon juice: A dash of lemon juice will give your tzatziki a zesty kick.
Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil rounds out the sauce and gives it a smooth texture.
Salt and black pepper: For basic seasoning to bring everything together.
Greek Salad Ingredients
Tomatoes: Sweet, ripe tomatoes add a juicy crunch to the gyros.
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add a nice crunch and help balance the richness of the chicken and tzatziki.
Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp contrast to the creamy elements in the dish.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but fresh herbs enhance the freshness of the salad.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning.
Flatbread or Pita
You’ll need soft pita bread or flatbread to wrap all these wonderful ingredients together. You can use store-bought flatbreads, but making your own can elevate the dish even more.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Making Greek Chicken Gyros is easier than you might think. Let’s break down the process into simple steps to ensure the best result:
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
The first step is marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavors. This process is crucial to ensure that your chicken is tender and flavorful.
Steps to Marinate:
In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the following marinade ingredients: Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken to make sure each piece is well-coated.
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, though 3-12 hours is ideal for maximum flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as it could break down the chicken too much.
Step 2: Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the tzatziki sauce. Tzatziki is the creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce that is synonymous with Greek cuisine.
Steps to Make Tzatziki:
Start by grating the cucumbers using a box grater. Then, place the grated cucumbers in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. For the best flavor, let the tzatziki sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Making the Greek Salad
While the chicken is marinating and the tzatziki is chilling, you can prepare the Greek salad.
Steps to Make Salad:
Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the parsley (if using).
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and set aside.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken. You can use a grill, grill pan, or regular frying pan for this step.
Steps to Cook Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or pan and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 5: Assembling the Gyros
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Greek Chicken Gyros!
Steps to Assemble:
Warm the pita or flatbread on the grill or in a pan for a few seconds on each side.
Lay the warm pita flat on a piece of parchment paper or foil.
Place some of the fresh Greek salad down the center of the bread.
Top with slices of the grilled chicken.
Generously drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and salad.
Roll the pita around the fillings, securing the ends with the parchment paper or foil. Slice if desired.
What to Serve with Greek Chicken Gyros?
Greek Chicken Gyros can be served as a standalone meal, but there are several sides that pair perfectly with them. Here are some great options to elevate your meal:
Greek Salad: Fresh and tangy, with olives, feta, and a lemon-oregano dressing.
Lemon Orzo Salad: A light and refreshing salad with pasta, lemon, and herbs.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complement the gyros well.
Greek Fries: Crispy fries seasoned with oregano and garlic, often served alongside gyros in Greece.
You can also consider making homemade flatbreads to take your Greek Chicken Gyros to the next level.
Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Gyros
To elevate your Greek Chicken Gyros and make them truly memorable, here are some essential tips and insights that will enhance the final dish:
1. Choosing the Right Chicken
The type of chicken you use plays a significant role in the final outcome. As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs are the preferred choice for gyros because they stay tender and juicy. However, if you prefer chicken breasts for a leaner option, you can use them, but be mindful that they tend to dry out faster. To prevent this, consider marinating the chicken breasts for a little longer to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.
2. Marinating the Chicken: The Longer, The Better
While marinating for 2-3 hours is sufficient, overnight marination is ideal. The longer the chicken soaks in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. The yogurt-based marinade helps break down the chicken fibers, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
3. Grilling vs. Pan-Frying
For the authentic smoky flavor, grilling is the preferred method for cooking chicken for gyros. The charred edges give the gyros that distinctive grilled taste. If you don’t have access to a grill, pan-frying is a suitable alternative. Ensure that the pan is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
4. Perfecting the Tzatziki Sauce
The tzatziki sauce is the key to making your gyros stand out. To get it just right, make sure you squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber. This prevents the tzatziki from becoming too watery and keeps it thick and creamy. Additionally, some people prefer adding a little bit of dill or mint to the sauce, which can add a fresh, herbaceous twist.
5. Customizing the Greek Salad
Feel free to experiment with the salad ingredients to match your tastes. While tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions are the traditional base, you can add elements like olives, feta cheese, or even roasted red peppers for an extra burst of flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of oregano or a drizzle of extra olive oil to the salad for added authenticity.
6. Making Homemade Flatbreads
If you’re up for a challenge, making homemade flatbreads is a rewarding way to complete your Greek Chicken Gyros experience. Homemade flatbreads are soft and pillowy and complement the juicy chicken and creamy tzatziki perfectly. You can make them without yeast for a quick and easy version, or if you have more time, you can opt for a yeast-based dough for that true bakery-style texture.
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Card
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vinegar (white wine or red wine vinegar)
1 tbsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cucumber, grated
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Greek Salad:
1 large tomato, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling:
4 soft pita or flatbread
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate in the fridge for 2-12 hours (up to 24 hours for best results).
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a kitchen towel.
In a bowl, combine grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the Greek Salad:
Dice tomatoes and cucumbers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley.
Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Preheat the grill or pan over medium-high heat. Brush with a little olive oil.
Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill or pan-fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita or flatbread on the grill or in a pan.
Place a warm pita flat on parchment paper. Add the Greek salad, followed by sliced grilled chicken.
Drizzle tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken and salad. Roll up the pita and serve.
Notes:
For a leaner option, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but marinate them longer to ensure they stay juicy.
To make your own flatbreads, look for a simple recipe using flour, water, and olive oil.
Feel free to add olives, feta cheese, or roasted red peppers to the Greek salad for extra flavor.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 550
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 700mg
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2-12 hours marination + 35 minutes cooking and preparation
Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 550
Yield: 4 Gyros
