Chicken Gyros originating from the vibrant streets of Greece, this mouthwatering delightful succulent grilled chicken is wrapped in a warm, pillowy flatbread.
Marinated in a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, the chicken gyros boasts a tantalizing tenderness that harmonizes perfectly with crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. A true gastronomic experience, Chicken Gyros offers a burst of flavors that go beyond cultural boundaries. Join me as we unravel the secrets behind this classic dish, promising an irresistible blend of tradition and innovation on your plate.
You will also like Lemon Pepper Chicken, Chicken Skewers, Chicken Croquettes, Lentil Soup and Chicken Pot Pie.
For desserts you could try Lemon Cheesecake Cups and Fudge.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Chicken Gyros Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Chicken Gyros
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Chicken Gyros
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
- 💭Tips for Making Chicken Gyros
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Gyros
- 🍛More Main Dish Recipes!
- 🎥Watch my Videos
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Chicken Gyros Recipe
You'll love this Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce for its flavorful Mediterranean blend, versatile customization, healthy ingredients, easy preparation, and appealing presentation. It is an ideal dinner or lunch!
Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Ease of Preparation: Many people appreciate recipes that are easy to follow and don't require extensive cooking skills..
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of marinated chicken, Mediterranean spices, and the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce creates a burst of delicious flavors that many people find irresistible.
- Healthy Option: Chicken is a lean protein source, and when paired with fresh vegetables and a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, this recipe can be a healthier alternative to other fast food options.
- Balanced Meal: With protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the flatbread, and the refreshing tzatziki sauce providing healthy fats, a Chicken Gyros wrap can be a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
- Versatility: Gyros are versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes. You can add various toppings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and more, making it adaptable to different preferences.
- Mediterranean Influence: The flavors in this recipe are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, known for its use of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a balance of textures.
- Appealing Presentation: The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables and the contrasting textures make Chicken Gyros visually appealing.
- Great for Gatherings: Chicken Gyros are often a hit at gatherings and parties. The option to set up a Gyros bar where guests can assemble their own wraps adds an interactive and communal aspect to the meal.
If you want more comfort food you should check out Easy Homemade Meatballs and Mac and Cheese.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this Chicken Gyros recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing and crunchy texture to the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cucumber and balances the overall taste.
- White Vinegar: Provides a tangy element that complements the yogurt and cucumber.
- Greek Yogurt: Offers a creamy base for the sauce, contributing a rich and smooth texture.
- Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Clove Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic element to the sauce.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Imparts a fruity and savory note while contributing to the sauce's texture.
- Dill: Infuses a fresh and herbal flavor, characteristic of many Mediterranean dishes.
For Chicken Gyros:
- Chicken Thighs: Serve as the main protein, providing a juicy and flavorful meat base.
- Coriander Seeds: Contribute a warm, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken marinade.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of spiciness and complements other spices.
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky and earthy flavor to the chicken.
- Chili Flakes: Introduce heat and spice to the marinade.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a herby and earthy note to the chicken.
- Garlic Clove: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances the overall freshness and acidity of the marinade.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps in marinating the chicken and contributes to the overall flavor.
- Flatbread: Serves as the base for the gyro, offering a soft and pliable vessel for the filling.
- Lettuce Leaves: Add a crisp and refreshing texture to the gyro.
- Onion: Contributes a crunchy and slightly pungent element.
- Tomato: Provides juiciness and a sweet-tart flavor, balancing the dish.
Here are some substitutions for a Chicken Gyros recipe:
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- Cucumber:
- Substitution: Zucchini or radishes, finely grated.
- Salt:
- Substitution: Garlic salt or onion salt (adjust the quantity accordingly).
- White Vinegar:
- Substitution: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Greek Yogurt:
- Substitution: Regular yogurt or strained yogurt (adjust thickness).
- Pepper:
- Substitution: White pepper or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Clove Garlic:
- Substitution: Garlic powder or roasted garlic for milder flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Substitution: Avocado oil, sunflower oil or plain yogurt for a lighter option.
- Dill:
- Substitution: Fresh parsley or mint for a different herb flavor.
For Chicken Gyros:
- Chicken Thighs:
- Substitution: Chicken breast or boneless chicken tenders.
- Coriander Seeds:
- Substitution: Ground coriander or cumin for a different flavor profile.
- Salt:
- Substitution: Garlic salt or onion salt (adjust the quantity accordingly).
- Pepper:
- Substitution: White pepper or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Smoked Paprika:
- Substitution: Regular paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for smokiness.
- Chili Flakes:
- Substitution: Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Dried Thyme:
- Substitution: Dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Garlic Clove:
- Substitution: Garlic powder or roasted garlic for milder flavor.
- Lemon Zest:
- Substitution: Lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Lemon Juice:
- Substitution: Lime juice or white wine vinegar for acidity.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Substitution: Avocado oil or vegetable oil for a different flavor.
- Flatbread:
- Substitution: Pita bread, naan, or tortillas.
- Lettuce Leaves:
- Substitution: Spinach leaves or arugula for a different green.
- Onion:
- Substitution: Red onion or green onions for a milder or different flavor.
- Tomato:
- Substitution: Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different texture.
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Chicken Gyros
There are many ways to create variations of Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce to suit different tastes and preferences.
Here are a few ideas for Chicken Gyros variations:
- Lemon-Herb Chicken Gyros: Infuse the chicken with a combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with extra lemon zest.
- Honey-Lemon Chicken Gyros: Sweeten the chicken marinade with honey and add extra lemon juice for a tangy and sweet combination.
- Balsamic Glazed Chicken Gyros: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the grilled chicken for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Grilled Vegetable Gyros: Include grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option or to complement the chicken.
- Spicy Chicken Gyros: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a spicy hot sauce to the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
- Shawarma-style Gyros: Use Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric in the chicken marinade for a shawarma-inspired flavor.
- Mediterranean-Inspired Gyros: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers for a more Mediterranean flavor.
- Asian Fusion Gyros: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the chicken marinade for an Asian-inspired twist. Top with shredded cabbage or pickled vegetables.
- Tex-Mex Gyros: Use taco seasoning in the chicken marinade, and top with salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
- Cajun Chicken Gyros: Use Cajun spices in the chicken marinade and serve with a spicy Cajun tzatziki sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Gyros: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with a blue cheese or ranch tzatziki for a spicy and tangy flavor.
- Avocado Tzatziki: Mash avocado into the tzatziki sauce for a creamy and rich texture.
- Herb-Infused Tzatziki: Experiment with different herbs in the tzatziki sauce, such as mint, basil, or cilantro, to give it a unique twist.
- Pesto Tzatziki: Mix pesto into the tzatziki sauce for a basil-infused twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Tzatziki: Blend sun-dried tomatoes into the tzatziki sauce for a burst of rich, savory flavor.
Get creative! You can try these ideas or make your own special Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce, just the way you like it!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Chicken Gyros
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
How to Make Chicken Gyros:
1. Slice the chicken thighs into strips and place them in a bowl.
2. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the coriander seeds.
3. In a mortar and pestle, mix together crushed coriander, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili flakes, dried thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil to create a flavorful marinade.
4. Mix the paste with the chicken strips, ensuring they're well coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for even better flavor, refrigerate overnight.
5. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken strips until they are fully cooked and slightly charred.
6. Heat flatbreads on a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed.
7. Lay the flatbreads on aluminum foil to assemble your chicken gyros.
8. Spread the prepared tzatziki sauce over the flatbread.
9. Layer lettuce leaves over the tzatziki sauce.
10. Slice onions and tomatoes, then arrange them over the lettuce leaves.
11. Position the grilled chicken on top of the tomato and onion slices.
12. Fold the flatbread and wrap the chicken gyros with aluminum foil.
13. Finish it off by adding a dollop of the prepared tzatziki sauce on top.
14. Serve with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce:
1. Peel away the outer layer of the cucumber and then finely grate it.
2. Sprinkle some salt and add vinegar to the grated cucumber. Mix it thoroughly and let it sit for around 10 minutes to let the extra moisture come out.
3. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, white vinegar, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
4. Use a kitchen towel to squeeze the cucumber and get rid of any extra water.
5. Combine the cucumber with the Greek yogurt mixture and stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
6. Finely chop some fresh dill, add it to the cucumber-yogurt mixture, and mix thoroughly to combine. Set it aside.
7. Chill the Tzatziki in the fridge for 1-2 hours to let the flavors blend together.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this Chicken Gyros.
- Large Bowl
- Mortar and Pestle
- Grater
- Small Bowl
- Spatula
- Peeler
- Cutting Board
- Electric Hand Blender
- Knife
- Tongs
- Fried Pan
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
Chicken Gyros is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored with some precautions to maintain its texture and flavour.
Here is how you can manage its storage:
Storing:
- Refrigeration:
- Store leftover Chicken Gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Separate the Tzatziki Sauce from the gyros if possible to maintain the freshness of the sauce.
- Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.
- Components Separation:
- If you plan to store components separately (chicken, tzatziki, veggies), use individual containers for each element.
Freezing:
- Chicken:
- Allow the chicken gyros to cool completely before freezing.
- Place the gyros in a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Tzatziki Sauce:
- Tzatziki sauce may separate upon freezing, so it's often best to freeze the gyros without the sauce.
- If you want to freeze tzatziki separately, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
- Flatbread and Veggies: If freezing the entire assembled gyros, consider storing the flatbread and veggies separately to maintain their texture.
- Labeling: Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Defrosting:
- Slow Thaw:
- Transfer the frozen gyros from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly overnight.
- Alternatively, defrost individual components separately.
Reheating:
- Reheating Chicken:
- Reheat the chicken in an oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispiness.
- Alternatively, warm it in a skillet with a bit of oil for a few minutes.
- Reheating Flatbread: Warm the flatbread in an oven or on a skillet to restore its softness.
- Reheating Assembled Gyros:
- Oven or Toaster Oven: Place the gyros in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
- Microwave (For Components): Microwave individual components, assembling the gyros just before serving for the best texture.
- Finishing Touches: Add fresh veggies and extra sauce after reheating to enhance the flavors.
Serving:
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay out the flatbread on a clean surface.
- Place a generous portion of the cooked chicken in the center of the bread.
- Add Fresh Ingredients:
- Layer with fresh lettuce leaves for crunch.
- Add sliced tomatoes for juiciness.
- Toss on thinly sliced onions for a sharp flavor.
- Layer with fresh lettuce leaves for crunch.
- Drizzle with Tzatziki Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of homemade tzatziki sauce over the chicken and veggies. The cool and creamy sauce is a key element in enhancing the overall flavor.
- Fold and Secure: Fold the sides of the flatbread over the filling to create a wrap or gyro shape.
- Serve Fresh: Serve the Chicken Gyros immediately while the bread is still warm, and the ingredients are fresh and vibrant.
- Sides and Accompaniments:
- Consider serving with a side of Greek salad, olives, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a wedge of lemon on the side for those who enjoy an extra citrusy kick.
- Presentation: Arrange the gyros on a platter for a family-style meal or plate individually for a more refined presentation.
- Customization: Allow guests to customize their gyros by setting out additional toppings like hot sauces, pickled peppers, or extra herbs.
- Pairing: Pair Chicken Gyros with a refreshing beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold Mediterranean-style beer.
💭Tips for Making Chicken Gyros
Here are some tips to help you make the best Chicken Gyros:
For Tzatziki Sauce:
Strain Yogurt: If using regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid. This ensures a thicker tzatziki sauce.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cucumbers and dill for vibrant flavors. Remove excess moisture from the cucumber by patting it dry with a paper towel.
Adjust Consistency: If the tzatziki is too thick, you can thin it with a little water. If it's too thin, add more yogurt.
Flavor Melding: Prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. This enhances the overall taste.
Garlic Preparation: Crush or finely mince the garlic to release its flavors fully. You can also roast the garlic for a milder taste.
Quality Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth of flavor in the tzatziki.
For Chicken Gyros:
Marinating Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or, ideally, overnight. This enhances the flavors and ensures the chicken is tender.
Even Cooking: If grilling the chicken, ensure it's cooked evenly. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
Flatbread Warmth: Warm the flatbread before serving to enhance its flexibility and aroma.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the toppings. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions add freshness and texture.
Balanced Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning in the chicken marinade to your liking. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken to ensure it has the right balance of flavors.
Citrus Zest: Use fresh lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor in the chicken marinade.
Assemble Just Before Serving: Assemble the gyros just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy and to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
By following these tips, you can make a Chicken Gyros that is sure to please your family and guests.
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Gyros
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Chicken Gyros:
Greek chicken gyros can be a healthy meal choice, providing lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables, but moderation and ingredient choices play a key role in overall nutritional value.
A Chicken Gyro is made of seasoned and marinated chicken, often cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served in a pita with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce like tzatziki.
Gyros feature thinly sliced, rotisserie-cooked meat served in a pita, while souvlaki consists of grilled, skewered meat pieces, often presented on a skewer or in a pita.
Whether gyros are considered junk food depends on various factors, including the ingredients used, preparation methods, and overall dietary context. Traditional gyros made with lean meat, whole-grain flatbread, and fresh vegetables can be a relatively balanced and nutritious meal. However, certain variations with processed meats, excessive sauces, and high-calorie additions may contribute to a less healthy profile. As with any food, moderation and mindful ingredient choices are essential for maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
🍛More Main Dish Recipes!
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🎥Watch my Videos
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic chicken skewers!
📖 Recipe
Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 300 g Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Bunch of Dill
For Chicken Gyros:
- 600 g Chicken Thighs
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Garlic Clove
- 1 Lemon Zest
- ½ Lemon Juice
- 60 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Flatbreads
- 2 Lettuce Leaves
- ½ Onion
- 1 Tomato
Instructions
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce:
- Peel and grate the cucumber.
- Sprinkle salt and add vinegar over the grated cucumber, mix well to combine and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, white vinegar, minced garlic and extra virgin olive oil and mix well.
- Squeeze with a kitchen towel the cucumber to remove excess water.
- Add the cucumber to the Greek yogurt mixture and stir thoroughly until well combined.
- Chop fresh dill, add to the cucumber-yogurt mixture and mix well to combine. Set aside.
- Refrigerate the Tzatziki for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Make Chicken Gyros:
- Cut chicken thighs into strips and place in a mixing bowl.
- In a mortar and pestle, crush coriander seeds.
- In a mortar and pestle, combine crushed coriander, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili flakes, dried thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil to make a marinade.
- Add the paste to the chicken strips and coat them in the marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for better flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken strips until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Warm flatbreads on a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the flatbreads over aluminium foil to assemble your chicken gyros.
- Add the prepared tzatziki sauce and spread over the flatbread.
- Place lettuce leaves over the tzatziki sauce.
- Slice onion and tomato and place over the lettuce leaves.
- Place the grilled chicken over the tomato and onion slices.
- Fold the flatbread and wrap the chicken gyros with aluminium foil.
- Top it with the prepared tzatziki sauce.
- Serve with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Cucumber Preparation: Pat the grated cucumber dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring the tzatziki is not too watery.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of minced garlic based on personal preference. If you enjoy a strong garlic flavor, add more; for a milder taste, use less.
- Chilling Time: Allow the tzatziki sauce to chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors and consistency.
- Dill Freshness: Use fresh dill for the best flavor. Adjust the quantity according to your preference for the herb's aromatic contribution.
- Marination Duration: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or, ideally, overnight for a more flavorful and tender result.
- Cooking Technique: Grill the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred for an authentic gyros flavor. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken strips.
- Balance of Spices: Ensure a well-balanced combination of coriander seeds, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and dried thyme in the marinade for a harmonious flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest and Juice: Incorporate both lemon zest and lemon juice for a bright and citrusy kick. Adjust quantities based on personal taste.
- Flatbread Warmth: Warm the flatbreads before assembling the gyros for a pleasant texture and to enhance the overall eating experience.
- Fresh Vegetable Choices: Choose crisp and fresh lettuce leaves, thinly sliced onions, and ripe tomatoes for the sandwich and salad components.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John
SO delicious!! This will definitely be on repeat in our house.