Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade
The Only Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe You’ll Ever Need
If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean, look no further than these Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki. With a zesty marinade that brings out the vibrant flavors of lemon and herbs, paired with the creamy coolness of tzatziki, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to Greece! These gyros are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make at home, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
What makes these Greek Chicken Gyros truly special is the combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful strips that are just begging to be wrapped in warm pita bread alongside crunchy veggies and rich tzatziki sauce. It’s a dish that everyone will rave about, whether you’re serving family or friends!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
– Quick prep time of just 30 minutes makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
– The lemon-herb marinade infuses the chicken with bright, refreshing flavors.
– Tzatziki sauce adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the spices.
– A healthy balance of protein, veggies, and carbs for a satisfying meal.
– Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
– Versatile—customize with your favorite toppings and sides.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To get started on this mouthwatering recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools.
– Mixing bowl: For preparing the marinade.
– Grill or skillet: To cook the marinated chicken evenly.
– Knife: For cutting chicken into strips and chopping vegetables.
– Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
– Spatula or tongs: For flipping the chicken while cooking.
Preparation Tips
For perfectly tender chicken gyros, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to enhance the flavor. Make sure your grill or skillet is hot before cooking to achieve that delicious char. Don’t forget to warm your pita breads briefly on the grill; this adds an extra layer of warmth and makes them more pliable for wrapping!
Ingredients for this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
For the Chicken
– 1 lb chicken breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
– 4 pita breads
– 1 cup tzatziki sauce
– 1 cup chopped lettuce
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
Welcome to a culinary journey to the sun-soaked shores of Greece! Today, we’re making Greek Chicken Gyros with a zesty lemon-herb marinade that perfectly complements the tender chicken, all wrapped up in soft pita bread and topped with creamy tzatziki. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by gathering your ingredients and mixing them in a bowl. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant marinade is what will infuse our chicken with delightful flavor. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended, creating a smooth mixture that’s full of zest.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, take your chicken breast and cut it into strips. This helps to maximize the flavor absorption during marination. Place the chicken strips into the marinade and make sure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a zip-top bag for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have more time, letting it marinate longer will enhance those flavors even more!
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet
While your chicken is soaking up all that deliciousness, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. A hot cooking surface ensures that your chicken gets those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear while keeping it juicy inside. If you’re using a skillet, adding just a touch of olive oil can help prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once your grill or skillet is ready, it’s time to cook the marinated chicken! Place the strips on the heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are fully cooked through with no pink remaining. The smell of garlic and herbs sizzling away will surely tempt anyone nearby!
Step 5: Warm the Pita Breads
Don’t forget about those pitas! Lightly warm them on the grill for about a minute or so until they’re soft and pliable. Warming them enhances their flavor and texture, making them perfect for holding all those tasty fillings.
Step 6: Assemble Your Gyros
Now comes the fun part—assembling your gyros! Take a warm pita bread and layer on some of your succulent grilled chicken strips. Top it off with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce for that refreshing creaminess. Add chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of sliced red onion for crunch and added freshness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Your Greek Chicken Gyros are now ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately while they’re warm for the best experience. You can garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility! If you’re not in the mood for chicken, feel free to swap it out for grilled veggies or even chickpeas for a plant-based option. You can also mix up your toppings—try adding cucumber slices or feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor! To elevate this dish even further, consider marinating overnight; it makes all the difference when it comes to depth of flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Not allowing enough time for marinating.
– Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
– Forgetting to preheat your cooking surface properly.
– Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge instead of letting them come to room temperature.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these gyros are so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Unfortunately, freezing isn’t ideal due to texture changes in both pita and tzatziki.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 350 calories
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbs: 30g
– Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of tzatziki?
If you’re looking for alternatives to tzatziki sauce, try yogurt mixed with diced cucumbers and fresh herbs like dill or mint for a similar refreshing effect.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before grilling. Just remember to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular pita bread with gluten-free pita options available at most grocery stores.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe as I am! It’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home. Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Enjoy every bite!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Cut the chicken breast into strips and marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken strips for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Warm the pita breads on the grill for about a minute until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the gyros by placing chicken strips in pita, topping with tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Serve immediately while warm.
