These Easy Chicken Gyros are a delicious twist on a classic! Juicy chicken, wrapped in warm pita, is topped with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce that brings everything together.
Making these gyros always makes me feel like a chef! They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal. Don’t forget to add extra veggies for that crunch—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for easy cooking. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture to tzatziki. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, low-fat yogurt works well. For dairy-free, try coconut or almond yogurt.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch to the tzatziki. If you don’t have one, grated zucchini works in a pinch, but remember to squeeze out excess moisture!
Spices: Dried oregano is classic for gyros. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning can be a suitable alternative. Don’t skip the cumin and paprika as they enhance the flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Marinate Chicken for Gyros?
Marinating the chicken is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Cut the chicken into strips to increase the surface area, which helps soak up the marinade.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl. The acid from lemon juice helps tenderize the meat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but aim for 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki is simple but requires a few steps for the best taste:
- Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess. Drain any excess liquid from grated cucumber for a thicker sauce.
- Add minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mixing these ingredients well is crucial for combined flavors.
- Let it chill in the fridge while the chicken marinates to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Now you’ve got everything you need for delicious chicken gyros at home! Embrace the flavors and enjoy your meal!
How to Make Easy Chicken Gyros with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade and Gyros:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken. Cooking the chicken will take another 10-15 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour or less, depending on marination time. It’s a fantastic meal for a busy weekday night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade until they’re well coated. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but aim for 1-2 hours for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you squeeze out any extra moisture), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix everything together until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat.
4. Warm the Pita:
For the pita breads, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute per side, or you can wrap them in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a warmed pita and place it on a plate. Start with a handful of lettuce, add the grilled chicken strips on top, and finish it off with diced tomatoes and red onion.
6. Add the Tzatziki:
Spoon a generous amount of that creamy tzatziki sauce over your gyro fillings for extra flavor and creaminess.
7. Serve:
Fold or wrap the pita to enclose all the delicious fillings. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side if desired. Enjoy your homemade chicken gyros!
Now you have a wonderful taste of Greece right at home with these Easy Chicken Gyros! Bon appétit!
FAQ About Easy Chicken Gyros with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or even shrimp for a tasty twist. For a vegetarian option, grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu works great too!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free gyros, simply use gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps instead. Ensure all ingredients, especially spices and sauces, are labeled gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them later, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet, and serve with fresh pita and toppings.
Can I Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it, and give it a good stir before serving!
