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- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 lemon, juiced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat pitas For the gyros, the main star is chicken. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. The marinade is key here. I mix minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil. This blend brings out vibrant flavors. I add salt and pepper to taste for balance. The whole wheat pitas serve as the perfect wrap, adding nutrition and a hearty feel. - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 teaspoon dill (fresh or dried) The tzatziki sauce is simple but essential. I use Greek yogurt as the base. It’s thick and creamy. I add diced cucumber for crunch and freshness. Dill adds a unique taste. You can also mix in minced garlic if you want a stronger flavor. This sauce cools the dish and brightens it. - Fresh parsley - Extra toppings ideas: cherry tomatoes, red onion Garnishes can elevate your gyros. I like to sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. You can also add more toppings like halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion. These extras not only taste great but also make your gyros look appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This mix creates a tasty marinade that gives the chicken flavor. Marinating is key. It helps the chicken absorb all those great flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but two hours is best. This extra time makes your chicken so much tastier. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It's important to get the right temperature. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Grill each side for 6 to 8 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown color and cooked through. If the chicken is juicy and tender, you've done it right! While the chicken cooks, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic (if you want), dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together until smooth. This sauce is cool and refreshing. Chill it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. The longer it sits, the better the flavors blend. Now it’s time to build your gyros! Warm the whole wheat pitas on the grill for about 1 minute on each side. Take a pita and pile on the grilled chicken strips. Next, add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Fold the pita in half and enjoy. Each bite will be full of flavor! For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for 2 hours. This extra time helps the flavors soak into the meat. More flavor means a better gyro! To enhance flavor absorption, cut the chicken into strips. This increases the surface area, allowing the marinade to reach more meat. Also, mix the marinade well before adding the chicken. This ensures an even coating of spices. Use a grill or grill pan for cooking the chicken. Preheat it over medium-high heat. This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice grill marks. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color and make sure it's fully cooked. A meat thermometer can help and should read 165°F (75°C). For a smooth tzatziki, use thick Greek yogurt. This gives the sauce a creamy texture. If it's too thick, add a little water or extra lemon juice to reach your desired consistency. If you don’t have dill, try mint or parsley as swaps. Both will add a fresh taste to your tzatziki. You can also mix in a little garlic for extra flavor. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. Grilling Technique: Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking. Homemade Tzatziki Perfection: For a creamier tzatziki sauce, strain the yogurt beforehand to remove excess moisture. This will keep your sauce from becoming watery. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Fresh parsley, dill, and ripe tomatoes make a significant difference. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins in gyros. Try beef or lamb for a richer flavor. Pork also works well and adds a nice twist. For a lighter option, use turkey. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider grilled halloumi or marinated tofu. Both options give you a great texture and flavor. To adjust spice levels, add herbs and spices to your taste. You can boost the flavor with extra cumin or paprika. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can also add a nice touch. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. Start with a little and taste as you go. Pair your gyros with tasty side dishes. Greek salad or roasted veggies go well with gyros. You could also serve them with crispy fries for a fun meal. If you want to try different wraps, use lettuce leaves for a fresh touch. Corn tortillas or flatbreads are other great options. To keep your leftover gyros fresh, use airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store the gyros in the fridge for up to three days. You can easily see what you have, so there is no waste. If you want to save your gyros for later, freezing is a great option. First, wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the tzatziki sauce too. Just make sure to store it in a separate container. It keeps well for about one month. When you are ready to eat, defrost the chicken overnight in the fridge. For the tzatziki, let it thaw in the fridge as well. Reheat the chicken in a pan on low heat until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat it. Enjoy your gyros just like fresh! You can enjoy many sides with Mediterranean Chicken Gyros. Here are some popular ones: - Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese - Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Crispy sweet potato fries for a tasty crunch - Pita chips with hummus for a fun dipper - Rice pilaf for a hearty addition Each side adds more flavor and texture. Choose what you love best! Yes, you can make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros ahead of time! Here are some time-saving tips: - Marinate the chicken the night before for better taste. - Grill the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead to let the flavors mix. - Warm pitas just before serving for a fresh taste. These steps can save you time on busy days! You can easily make a low-carb version of gyros! Here are some suggestions for substitutes: - Use lettuce wraps instead of pitas for a fresh bite. - Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or beef for variety. - Replace Greek yogurt with a low-fat yogurt option. - Add more veggies like bell peppers and radishes for crunch. These swaps keep the flavor while cutting down on carbs! You learned how to make tasty gyros from scratch. We covered key ingredients like chicken, tatziki sauce, and pitas. I shared step-by-step cooking tips to help you grill perfect chicken and create creamy sauce. You can even change up the spice level or try different proteins. Don’t forget about smart storage tips for leftovers. Now, you can enjoy delicious gyros any time. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Delicious chicken gyros marinated in Mediterranean spices, served with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 piece lemon, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 pieces whole wheat pitas
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon dill (fresh or dried)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into strips and add them to the marinade. Mix well and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown.
  • While the chicken is grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic (if desired), dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller pieces.
  • Warm the whole wheat pitas on the grill for about 1 minute on each side.
  • To assemble the gyros, take a pita and add a generous amount of chicken strips, followed by diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
  • Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Fold the pita in half and enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Chicken Gyros!

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
Keyword chicken, gyros, Mediterranean, pita, tzatziki