Try this quick and simple chicken gyro recipe for something just as tasty, but significantly healthier for you: yogurt-marinated chicken tenders, packed with flavor from warm spices, and loaded into a pita wrap with homemade tzatziki sauce and all the fixings you love!
Check out the hints and detailed instructions below to find out how to make this Greek chicken in a skillet or pan, on an outdoor grill, or in the oven.
Here’s the thing about restaurant gyros: they are absolutely delicious, and I do occasionally eat them, but in actuality, they are a little on the heavy side, being made of a combination of lamb and beef, and roasted for hours on a spit.
But there is a way to make a really good gyro at home that is both healthier and still delicious, so we don’t have to give up the vibrant Greek flavors: Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!
Greek Cuisine | CHICKEN GYRO WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE | How To Feed a Loon
Greek Chicken Gyros 🔗
Easy, make-ahead chicken gyros! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and whip up your homemade tzatziki too! So fast, so good!
Prep: 2h20min
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6-8 pita flatbreads
- 2 cups shredded romaine
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated English cucumber, squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instruction:
To make the tzatziki sauce, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag, combine chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Marinate for at least 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
Preheat grill to medium heat. Add chicken to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 8 minutes.
To serve, warm pitas on the grill, about 1-2 minutes per side. Halve pitas, and fill with chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and tzatziki sauce.
Serve immediately.
FAQ
Are gyros fried or grilled?
What Makes a Chicken Gyro? Here, chicken thighs are marinated in lemon, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. The meat is then roasted, and the vegetables and yogurt sauce are folded into a pita.
Are chicken gyros healthy?
In addition to being frequently made with pork and chicken, gyro meat can also be made with beef and lamb. Gyro meat can be served in a variety of ways, but many people enjoy it in a pita with tzatziki, lettuce, and tomato and refer to it as a “Gyro Wrap.”
What is the difference between chicken gyro and chicken shawarma?
A typical chicken gyro is a good source of calcium, fiber, protein, B vitamins, and vitamin A. Because they contain both chicken and vegetables, chicken gyros are a great option for a quick and healthy meal.