Chicken Gyros

Creating vibrant and flavorful meals brings joy to everyday life. Chicken gyros, with their tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, evoke memories of summer evenings filled with laughter and rich aromas. The first time I made chicken gyros, I was amazed by how simple yet satisfying they turned out.

These chicken gyros quickly became a family favorite, where each member puts their twist on them. Some love extra tzatziki, while others pile on the veggies. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the simple pleasure it brings when everyone gathers around the table to enjoy a meal together.

The balance of spices in the chicken marinade enhances every bite, and the freshness of the accompaniments makes it feel like an occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can transform a casual dinner into something extraordinary.

Let’s dive into how to create these delightful chicken gyros that will surely become a staple in your home!

Part 1 — All About Chicken Gyros

Fundamentals

These chicken gyros showcase a blend of spices and fresh ingredients that deliver robust flavors while being easy to prepare. The star of the show is the marinated chicken, which benefits from the smoky, earthy notes of smoked paprika and the warm essence of cumin and turmeric.

The tzatziki sauce complements the chicken perfectly, thanks to the creamy texture of Greek yogurt mixed with refreshing cucumbers and fragrant garlic. Together, they create layers of flavor that excite the palate. This dish isn’t just about the chicken; it’s about building a complete meal that reflects the joy of cooking and sharing.

Preparation/setup

To start making chicken gyros, gather your ingredients. The process begins by preparing the marinade for the chicken. By allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least an hour—though a few hours is even better—you create a dish bursting with flavor.

While the chicken marinates, whip up the tzatziki sauce. Combining plain Greek yogurt with garlic, dill, and lemon juice results in a sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken gyros:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 inch piece of an English cucumber (peeled and finely diced)
• 6 pitas (or flatbreads)
• 1 small romaine heart (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 of a red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 of an English cucumber (thinly sliced)
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Directions

Tzatziki Sauce: Start by combining the yogurt, minced garlic, dill weed, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix it well, then fold in the diced cucumber. Add salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate.

Chicken Marinade: Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Combine the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic, turmeric, coriander, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, ground cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for 1 to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling Gyros: Warm your pitas in a skillet or grill. Layer the pitas with a generous scoop of chopped chicken, followed by chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber. Top it off with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.

Part 2 — Crafting the Perfect Gyros

Technique

The key to mastering chicken gyros lies in the preparation and attention to detail. Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat tender and juicy during grilling. The balance of spices in the marinade contributes significantly to the dish’s overall taste.

When grilling, ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Flip the chicken only once to create those beautiful grill marks and maximize the smoky flavor.

Tips/tricks

To elevate your chicken gyros, try these tips:

• Opt for Greek yogurt for your tzatziki to ensure creaminess and depth.
• Chill your tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes—this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Customize with your favorite toppings! Grilled vegetables or chopped herbs can add diversity to your gyros.
• If raw onions are too strong for your taste, try marinating them in lemon juice and salt for a milder flavor.

Part 3 — Perfecting Chicken Gyros

Perfecting results

To ensure your chicken gyros turn out perfectly every time, don’t rush the marination process. The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful it will become.

Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for the best results. Using a meat thermometer helps to ensure accuracy. Follow the grilling instructions closely for juicy, tender pieces.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find your chicken isn’t holding much flavor, consider adjusting the marinade. Adding more spices or letting it sit longer can enhance the dish.

For variations, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins like turkey or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Part 4 — Serving Chicken Gyros

Serving/presentation

Presenting your chicken gyros is a fun and creative part of the cooking process. Use vibrant plates that highlight the colorful ingredients. Arrange the toppings in small bowls for a self-serve style that adds a personal touch to the meal.

Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for added color and flavor.

Pairings/storage

Serve chicken gyros with a side of roasted potatoes or a refreshing Greek salad for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and tzatziki separately for up to three days in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to stay intact and fresh. When ready to serve again, simply reheat the chicken gently and assemble your gyros anew.

Conclusion

Chicken gyros embody a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a delightful option for any meal. The marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki come together harmoniously. With straightforward techniques and easy-to-find ingredients, these gyros prove that cooking can be both simple and immensely rewarding. Enjoy the process, relish the flavors, and embrace the joy of sharing this delicious dish with family and friends!

Chicken Gyros

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Delicious chicken gyros featuring marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce—a family favorite that blends vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 inch piece of an English cucumber, peeled and finely diced
• 6 pitas (or flatbreads)
• 1 small romaine heart, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 of an English cucumber, thinly sliced
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. To make the tzatziki sauce, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill weed, and lemon juice in a bowl. Fold in diced cucumber and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.
2. In a large bowl or ziplock bag, place the chicken and combine marinade ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic, turmeric, coriander, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, ground cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes). Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating evenly, and marinate for 1 to 4 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Warm pitas in a skillet or grill. Assemble gyros by layering pitas with a scoop of chicken, chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber. Top with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and crumble feta cheese if desired.

Notes

Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances flavor. For a milder onion taste, marinate raw onions in lemon juice and salt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken gyros, tzatziki sauce, Greek food, grilled chicken, easy dinner