Dive into the vibrant flavors of Greece with this foolproof Chicken Gyros Recipe, a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy evenings. This recipe breaks down how to achieve authentic, craveable gyros right in your own kitchen, saving you time and money while delivering restaurant-quality taste.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Gyros Recipe
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 pita breads
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber (peeled and seeds removed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Toppings:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Feta cheese, Kalamata olives
How to Make Chicken Gyros Recipe
This Chicken Gyros Recipe promises a burst of Mediterranean sunshine with minimal effort. Experience tender, marinated chicken, a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, and customizable toppings all wrapped in warm pita bread. Effortless to prepare, this dish will become your go-to for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a thicker sauce, you can strain the grated cucumber by squeezing out excess moisture before adding it to the yogurt. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice char. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Warm the Pita Breads:
Warm the pita breads according to package directions. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, in a toaster oven, or briefly in the microwave. They should be soft and pliable.
Assemble the Gyros:
To assemble your chicken gyros, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each warm pita bread. Fill with the cooked chicken pieces, followed by your desired toppings such as thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and optional feta cheese or Kalamata olives.
Serve Immediately:
Fold the pita breads in half to create your gyros and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gyros Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Chicken Gyros Recipe for its incredible ease and vibrant, fresh taste that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, infused with classic Greek herbs that create a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful bite. Making these gyros at home is also a fantastic way to save money compared to takeout, offering a healthier and more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing any of that authentic, delicious gyro experience.
The delightful combination of the creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce, sweet tomatoes, sharp red onion, and fresh parsley creates a symphony of textures and flavors that truly elevate this simple meal. It’s a lighter, brighter cousin to a classic burger, offering a more complex and satisfying flavor profile that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and bring the taste of Greece to your table with this irresistible Chicken Gyros Recipe today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your Chicken Gyros Recipe components will ensure you can enjoy this delicious meal again.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked chicken, tzatziki sauce, and chopped toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Chopped vegetables are best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: While the chicken and tzatziki sauce can be frozen, it’s generally not recommended for the best texture. If you choose to freeze them, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The tzatziki sauce might separate slightly upon thawing; you can whisk it to re-emulsify. It’s best to make a fresh batch of tzatziki for the freshest flavor.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. Warm the pita breads as described in the assembly section. Assemble the gyros with the reheated chicken and fresh toppings for the best result. Avoid reheating assembled gyros as the pita can become soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gyros Recipe offers a delightful and accessible way to enjoy a taste of Greece at home. With its simple steps and wonderfully fresh flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness!
Chicken Gyros Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a thicker sauce, you can strain the grated cucumber by squeezing out excess moisture before adding it to the yogurt. Set aside.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated cucumber, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, to taste salt, to taste pepper
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice char. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Warm the pita breads according to package directions. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, in a toaster oven, or briefly in the microwave. They should be soft and pliable.4-6 pita breads
- To assemble your chicken gyros, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each warm pita bread. Fill with the cooked chicken pieces, followed by your desired toppings such as thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and optional feta cheese or Kalamata olives.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 red onion, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, Feta cheese, Kalamata olives
- Fold the pita breads in half to create your gyros and serve immediately while warm and fresh.4-6 pita breads