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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Introduction
Chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce is a beloved Greek dish, celebrated for its delicious blend of flavors and textures.
This popular street food consists of marinated chicken wrapped in soft, fluffy pita bread and topped with creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce, along with fresh vegetables.
It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that can easily be made at home.
The dish relies on a marinade rich in Mediterranean herbs and spices that infuse the chicken with flavor, while the tzatziki adds a refreshing, tangy contrast.
Perfect for a casual meal or entertaining guests, these chicken gyros are sure to impress.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
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For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyro Assembly:
4-6 pita bread rounds or flatbreads
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
Fresh lettuce or mixed greens
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
Add the chicken to the bowl, turning it to coat each piece fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating or cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill or mint if using.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix well. Adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a skillet for a few seconds until soft and pliable.
Place a generous amount of sliced chicken on each pita. Top with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, then add sliced red onions, tomatoes, and lettuce or greens as desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor and presentation.
Serve:
Serve the chicken gyros immediately, with additional tzatziki sauce on the side if desired. These gyros are best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to savor the combination of juicy, marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and crisp vegetables.
Conclusion
Greek chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the Mediterranean to your table.
The marinated chicken is infused with traditional Greek spices and yogurt, which tenderizes the meat and creates an incredibly juicy texture.
Paired with the cool, refreshing tzatziki and wrapped in warm pita, this gyro is a taste of Greece in every bite.
This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be enjoyed as a meal for any occasion.
Try these homemade gyros for a deliciously satisfying, healthy alternative to takeout, and experience the rich flavors of Greece in the comfort of your home.