Introduction
Delight in the flavors of Greece with these delicious chicken gyros served with a refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe brings together marinated chicken and fresh ingredients, all wrapped in warm pita bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 680 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 60 ml olive oil
– 30 ml lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
– 250 grams Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
– 4 Greek pita breads
– 100 grams sliced tomatoes
– 100 grams sliced onions
– 50 grams feta cheese, crumbled
Prep Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for the marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. For the tzatziki sauce, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until serving.
3. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
5. Warm the pita breads on the grill or skillet for about 1-2 minutes until soft and pliable.
6. To assemble the gyros, place some sliced chicken in each pita. Top with tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the cucumber tzatziki sauce.
7. Wrap the pita around the filling and enjoy your Greek chicken gyros warm.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Marinade Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ensuring that each piece is generously coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors and tenderness.
Step 2: Tzatziki Sauce Preparation
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Once prepared, cover the tzatziki sauce and chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Step 3: Chicken Cooking
Preheat your grill or a skillet to medium heat. Carefully remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and place them on the grill or skillet. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the meat is cooked through and the juices run clear. The chicken will develop a lovely golden-brown exterior and an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Slicing the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period will help the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
Step 5: Pita Preparation
While the chicken is resting, take the Greek pita breads and warm them on the grill or skillet for about 1-2 minutes. This will make them soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping.
Step 6: Assembling the Gyros
To create the gyros, take a warmed pita bread and place a generous serving of sliced chicken in the center. Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, onions, and crumbled feta cheese for added flavor. Finally, drizzle with the cucumber tzatziki sauce, making sure to add a good amount for that refreshing taste.
Step 7: Wrapping and Enjoying
Gently fold the pita around the filling, creating a delightful wrap that captures all the flavors. Enjoy your Greek chicken gyros while they are still warm, savoring every bite of this Mediterranean delight.
Notes
Marination Time
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for more than one hour if time permits – even overnight will deepen the taste.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using grilled vegetables or marinated tofu in place of the chicken.
Tzatziki Texture
Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well, so the tzatziki sauce doesn’t become too watery.
Serving Suggestions
These gyros pair beautifully with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. It is essential to let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, but longer (up to 24 hours) can yield even better results.
Grilling
Grilling the marinated chicken ensures a delicious char and smoky flavor. Preheat the grill or skillet to medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
Preparing Tzatziki Sauce
For a refreshing tzatziki sauce, combining Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper is key. Draining the grated cucumber helps reduce excess moisture, resulting in a thicker sauce that complements the gyros.
Warming Pitas
Warming the pita breads on the grill or skillet for 1-2 minutes makes them soft and pliable, allowing for easier wrapping around the filling. This ensures a better texture when enjoyed with the gyros.
Assembling the Gyros
When assembling the gyros, layering the sliced chicken with fresh tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce creates a balanced flavor profile. Wrapping the pita around the filling tightly prevents the ingredients from falling out while eating.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a shorter marinating time and can be slightly less juicy than thighs.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tzatziki sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.
What should I serve with Greek chicken gyros?
Greek chicken gyros pair well with sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or lemon rice. You can also serve them with additional pita and dipping sauces.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Greek chicken gyros gluten-free, swap out the pita bread for gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
Enjoying Greek chicken gyros with cucumber tzatziki is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that transports you to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. The combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, this dish promises satisfaction and delight in every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Greek Gyros
Use grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant in place of chicken, and serve with the same cucumber tzatziki for a delicious vegetarian option.
Lamb Gyros with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Swap chicken for marinated lamb and create a refreshing yogurt sauce with mint, complementing the robust flavors of the meat.
Greek Chicken Salad Wraps
Serve the marinated chicken on a bed of mixed greens, topped with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and tzatziki in a wrap for a lighter meal option.
Chicken Gyros Bowl
Transform the dish into a bowl by layering sliced chicken, rice or quinoa, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and drizzling with tzatziki sauce for a satisfying grain bowl.
Spicy Chicken Gyros
Add some heat by marinating the chicken with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, and serve with a spicier version of tzatziki using jalapeños for an added kick.
