There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros wafting through the kitchen, making your mouth water with anticipation. The combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and that creamy tzatziki sauce creates a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. pair with a Greek salad
Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you decide to host a backyard cookout. Friends are mingling, laughter fills the air, and you’re serving up homemade gyros. Everyone is raving about how delicious they are—talk about instant gratification!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table. Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made gyros for my friends; they were amazed at how easy and tasty they turned out.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Oregano: Dried oregano gives an authentic touch; use Greek oregano if available for an extra kick.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; skip the bottled stuff if you can.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil not only adds richness but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
Pita Bread: Look for soft, fluffy pita bread that can hold all those delicious fillings without tearing apart. stuffed salmon with feta.
Vegetables (Tomato, Onion): Fresh diced tomatoes and crunchy onions add texture and freshness; feel free to customize with your favorites.
Tzatziki Sauce: A must-have! Use Greek yogurt as a base mixed with cucumber, garlic, and herbs for a refreshing dip.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. try spicy shrimp sushi.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
Grill or Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While chicken cooks, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, dill or mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips—this keeps it juicy!
Assemble Your Gyros: Warm pita bread slightly on the grill or stove. Layer sliced chicken along with diced tomatoes and onions inside each pita. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
Serve & Enjoy!: Garnish with extra herbs if desired and serve immediately while warm. Watch as everyone devours these delightful gyros!
Enjoying Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros is not just about eating; it’s about creating memories around shared meals filled with laughter and love! simple chicken dinner.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table. Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The secret to authentic Greek chicken gyros lies in the cooking sequence: marinate the chicken first, grill it to juicy perfection, then warm your pita while prepping toppings. For more inspiration, check out this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add toppings! Try feta cheese, fresh veggies, or even switch up the tzatziki for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover gyros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain tenderness.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always allow your chicken to rest after cooking for juicy results. Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact. Serve with warm pita for that authentic experience everyone will love! [/info_box]
It was during a summer barbecue when my friend’s compliments made my heart swell. The gyros were gone faster than I could say “Opa!” It reminded me of how food brings us together.
FAQ
What is the best way to marinate chicken for gyros?
Marinate your chicken overnight for optimal flavor absorption and tenderness.
Can I use vegetables in my gyros?
Absolutely! Grilled bell peppers and onions make wonderful additions to your gyros.
How do I make homemade tzatziki sauce?
Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill for a refreshing tzatziki.
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros are a culinary delight that bring the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. This easy-to-follow recipe features marinated chicken grilled to perfection, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a family meal, these gyros will impress everyone around the table while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano (preferably Greek)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 soft pita breads
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced onions
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internally cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill or mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Slice the Chicken: Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Assemble Gyros: Warm pita bread slightly on the grill or stove. Place sliced chicken inside each pita along with tomatoes and onions. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with additional herbs if desired and enjoy immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
