Simple & Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki: Your New Favorite Dinner! 🥙🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving bold flavors and a taste of Greece in your own home, this Greek chicken gyros recipe is the perfect choice. Filled with tender, marinated chicken, topped with creamy homemade tzatziki, and wrapped in warm pita bread, this dish brings authentic Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or a beginner, you’ll find this authentic gyros recipe simple, delicious, and totally satisfying. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also makes for a nutritious meal packed with protein.
2. Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced
- Red onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: sliced cucumbers, for added crunch
3. How to Make Authentic Gyros – Step-by-Step
Preparing the Chicken Marinade
Start by combining minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. For quick and easy cooking, consider using a Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast.
Assembling the Gyros
Warm the pita breads slightly, then layer with sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and chopped parsley. You can also add sliced cucumbers or other favorite toppings to enhance the flavor.
Making Homemade Tzatziki
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the classic homemade tzatziki. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve for the best flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Greek Chicken Gyros
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can last for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki for about 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven for best results before assembling your gyro again.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
This authentic gyros recipe is versatile! Serve with a side of refreshing apple cucumber salad or tropical pineapple cucumber salad for a complete Mediterranean feast.add extra vegetables like roasted peppers or feta cheese for additional flavor. For a gluten-free option, use lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Chicken Gyros
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and prepare the tzatziki ahead for quick assembly. The flavors meld beautifully if marinated overnight.
What are good substitutions for chicken?
Try using turkey, beef, or even plant-based alternatives like tempeh for different dietary preferences.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total prep and cooking time is approximately 40-45 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for quickly chopping cucumbers, onions, and other fresh vegetables for your gyros and salads.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Ideal for keeping drinks cold during summer gyros nights.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures your skillet is well-equipped for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
8. Related Recipes to Try
- Quick & Healthy Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Wraps
- One-Pan Creamy Penne with Sausage & Spinach
- Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
9. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like enjoying authentic gyros made fresh at home. This Greek chicken gyros recipe is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to impress family and friends alike. With homemade tzatziki and juicy grilled chicken, every bite transports you straight to the Mediterranean. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite dinner!
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Simple & Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki: Your New Favorite Dinner!
Experience the delicious flavors of Greece with this simple and authentic Greek chicken gyros recipe, featuring tender marinated chicken and homemade tzatziki. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s packed with protein and Mediterranean goodness, served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced
- Red onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: sliced cucumbers, for added crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest then slice into thin strips. Alternatively, use an air fryer for quick cooking.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita bread slightly. Layer with sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and chopped parsley. Add sliced cucumbers or other toppings if desired.
- Make Homemade Tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, but it can be marinated overnight for more intense taste.
- Reheat leftover chicken in a skillet or oven before assembling the gyros.
- Serve with side salads like apple cucumber salad or tropical pineapple cucumber salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: High-Protein, Gluten-Free (with lettuce wraps)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg