Description
Homemade Greek chicken gyros showcase Mediterranean flavors with marinated grilled chicken nestled in warm pita bread. Crisp cucumber tzatziki and fresh Greek salad complete this classic street food experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 4–6 Greek pita breads, naan bread, or flatbread
Chicken Marinade:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons oregano
Tzatziki Sauce and Salad Components:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to drain
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, diced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Feta cheese
Instructions
- Submerge chicken pieces in a harmonious blend of yogurt, zesty lemon juice, fragrant olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow the marinade to work its magic for a minimum of 30 minutes, with optimal flavor development occurring between 2-4 hours or ideally up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Craft the tzatziki sauce by combining yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, dill, and minced garlic. Thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber, then fold into the yogurt mixture. Taste and fine-tune seasonings to create a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Construct the Greek salad by combining diced tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh parsley. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and gently toss. Crumble feta cheese over the top for an authentic touch.
- For grilling: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and slightly charred. Alternatively, in a skillet: Heat to medium-high with a touch of oil, searing chicken for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Warm pita bread and layer with perfectly grilled chicken. Generously spread tzatziki sauce, top with the vibrant Greek salad, and optionally garnish with additional crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinating Magic: Let chicken soak in yogurt marinade overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Cucumber Squeeze Technique: Always drain excess water from grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki sauce, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency.
- Skillet vs. Grill Flexibility: Choose cooking method based on available equipment, knowing both techniques will deliver delicious caramelized chicken with crispy edges.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap pita for lettuce wraps to make gluten-free, or use plant-based chicken alternative for vegetarian version without compromising authentic Greek flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg