Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce and Greek Salad

Experience the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Greek Chicken Gyros. Perfectly marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and a refreshing Greek salad all come together in a warm pita bread to create a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or for serving at a casual gathering with friends and family. The marinated chicken is tender and flavorful, while the tzatziki sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast. Paired with a simple Greek salad, this dish captures the essence of Greek cuisine in every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Greek Chicken Gyros:

Chicken Marinade:

• • 2 lbs. Chicken Breast, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

• • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt

• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Oregano

Tzatziki Sauce:

• • 1 1/2 cups 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

Greek Salad:

• • 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

Pita Bread:

• 4-6 Greek Pita Breads, Naan bread, or Flatbread

With these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a delicious and authentic Greek meal. The marinade for the chicken infuses it with wonderful flavors, while the tzatziki sauce provides a creamy, tangy contrast. The Greek salad adds freshness and crunch, making this dish a well-rounded and satisfying option for any meal.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to prepare the perfect Greek Chicken Gyros. With a few simple preparations, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and authentic Mediterranean meal.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place 2 lbs. of chicken breast pieces in a resealable bag. Add 1/4 cup 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, and 2 teaspoons oregano. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken pieces. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours. For the best flavor, marinate for 24 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups 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), and 3 finely diced garlic cloves. Grate 1 cucumber and squeeze to remove excess water, then stir it into the yogurt mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Make the Greek Salad

In a large bowl, combine 3 diced tomatoes, 2 peeled and diced cucumbers, 1/4 diced red onion, and 2 tablespoons diced fresh Italian parsley. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly, then add feta cheese to your liking. Set the salad aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

There are two ways to cook the marinated chicken:

• • Grilling: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Heat the grill to medium and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

• Using a Skillet: Heat a skillet to medium-high and add a little oil. Cook the chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. 
  

  Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

  Warm the pita bread, naan bread, or flatbread in a skillet or oven. Place a generous amount of cooked chicken in each pita. Top with a spoonful of tzatziki sauce and a portion of Greek salad. Add extra feta cheese if desired.

  By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious and authentic Greek Chicken Gyros meal that’s sure to impress. Next, we’ll cover some tips on serving and storing your gyros, along with helpful notes and variations to customize the recipe to your taste.

  Serving and Storage Tips

  To ensure your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce and Greek Salad remain fresh and flavorful, here are some tips for serving and storing:

  Serving Tips

  • • Warm Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven before serving. This enhances the texture and flavor, making the gyros even more enjoyable.
    • Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the gyros immediately after assembling. This ensures the pita bread remains warm and the ingredients stay fresh.
  • Accompaniments: Pair your gyros with extra tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of Greek fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

  Storage Tips

  • • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken, tzatziki sauce, and Greek salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and salad will keep for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki sauce can last for up to a week.
    • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the pita bread, as it can become tough. Instead, warm it in a skillet or oven.
    • Make Ahead: You can prepare the marinade and tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Assemble the gyros just before serving for the best results.

  Helpful Notes and Variations

  Here are some helpful notes and variations to customize your Greek Chicken Gyros:

  • • Vegetable Additions: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or artichoke hearts to the Greek salad for added flavor and nutrition.
    • Cheese Variations: Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or even a Greek cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
  • Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for lamb, beef, or even grilled shrimp for a different take on the gyros. Each protein will bring its unique flavor to the dish.
  • Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier gyro, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade.
  • Quotes: As Ina Garten often says, “Simple ingredients, prepared in a simple way – that’s the best way to take your everyday cooking to a higher level.” This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly.

  This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce and Greek Salad recipe is a delightful and easy meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh Greek salad wrapped in warm pita bread makes for a satisfying and healthy dish that everyone will love.