Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Have you ever wished you could just teleport to Greece? This greek chicken gyros with cucumber recipe is your ticket! Each bite explodes with flavour.

Brief Overview

Gyros are the Greek street food. It’s simple and delicious. This recipe is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 30 minutes and cooking takes 20 minutes. This recipe will make 4-6 gyros.

Main Benefits

This recipe uses lean chicken. It’s packed with protein. These gyros are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They are also a great crowd pleaser for parties.

What makes this recipe special? It's the homemade cucumber tzatziki sauce.

Alright, let's get this chicken gyros recipe spinning! I remember the first time I tried making gyros. The tzatziki was a disaster! It was way too watery.

Now I know the trick! Squeeze the grated cucumber like your life depends on it!

Sizzling Chicken: Meet the Marinade

This marinade is key for flavour. It's what makes this Greek Chicken so irresistible. I always marinate my chicken overnight. Honestly, the longer, the better.

We're talking about using 1.5 kg of chicken in this recipe. Remember, the internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .

This ensures it's safe to eat. So we will need Chicken Gyro Marinade , capiche ?

Tzatziki Time!

The Cucumber Tzatziki is the quintessential sauce of the gyro. Some say it's the perfect condiment. For the Authentic Greek Gyro , you will need fresh ingredients.

Grate that cucumber. You know, you need to squeeze out all that water. I cannot stress this enough. Do it or end up with the aforementioned watery sauce.

Oh my gosh, no one wants that.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Adventure

Alright, let's get this kebab spinning! You're about to embark on a flavour journey. We're diving into the heart of the Mediterranean with Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki .

It starts with fantastic ingredients. And a few essential tools! Finding the perfect feta will have to wait for another recipe!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here is what you need for this Chicken Gyro Recipe :

• Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 kg (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
  • 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cucumber Tzatziki:
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and grated
  • 250g (1 cup) full fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Gyros Assembly:
  • 4-6 pita breads
  • 1 small thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 large sliced tomato
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the chicken, quality matters. Look for chicken thighs that are plump and pink. Good Greek Yogurt is key for the tzatziki. It should be thick and creamy.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Symphony

Oregano and thyme are crucial for that authentic Mediterranean Chicken Recipe taste. Don't skimp on them. A little smoked paprika adds depth.

I once forgot the lemon juice in the marinade. Honestly, it wasn't the same!

If you don't have fresh dill, use dried. Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy equipment for this Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe.

• Large bowl for marinating
• Grater
• Skillet or grill pan
• Small bowl for tzatziki
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife

A grill pan gives a nice char. But a regular skillet works just fine for How to Make Chicken Gyro .

No grill pan? No worries! I've even used a George Foreman grill in a pinch.

This recipe is about bringing the flavors of Greece to your table. And it's all about having fun.

Cooking the Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Alright, let's get this kebab spinning! We're tackling Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki , and honestly? It's easier than you think.

Forget that store-bought stuff. We're going full-on Santorini sunshine in your kitchen. We will see how to prepare homemade gyros .

I will provide the best gyro recipe .

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, mise en place , my friends. It's French, fancy talk for getting your ducks in a row.

Thinly slice your 1.5 kg chicken thighs. Trust me, it cooks faster and more evenly. Measure out your spices for that glorious Chicken Gyro Marinade .

Grate your cucumber for the Cucumber Tzatziki . Organisation is key here!. It will help you to prepare a Mediterranean Chicken Recipe by organizing everyting.

step-by-step: From Raw to Restaurant Worthy

1. Marinate Magic: Whisk together 60 ml olive oil, 30 ml lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss with chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or better yet, overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavour town your chicken visits.
2. Tzatziki Time: Grate your cucumber, then squeeze out all the excess liquid. This is crucial. Combine it with 250g Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill. Season to taste. Chill until serving. Honestly, the flavours meld and get even better.
3. Cook It Up: Heat your skillet or grill pan over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan!. Cook until cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
4. Pita Perfection: Warm your pita breads in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven. You want them pliable, not crispy.
5. Assemble and Devour: Spread tzatziki on each pita. Top with cooked chicken, sliced red onion, and tomato. Garnish with parsley, if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately and prepare to be amazed by our authentic Greek gyro !

Pro Tips for Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe

• Don't skip the marinade! Overnight is seriously best for flavour. I made that mistake once . Never again!
• Squeeze that cucumber. I mean really squeeze it!. Nobody wants watery tzatziki.
• Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Chicken Gyro Recipe marinade.

And there you have it! Your very own Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki . Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Your Gyro Guide

Alright, let's get this kebab spinning! Based on the recipe, here's a selection of the juiciest , like finding the perfect feta for our gyros.

I've made these greek chicken gyros with cucumber so many times, and honestly? It's all about those little tweaks that make 'em chef's kiss .

Here's a few of my hard earned lessons and tips to elevate your homemade gyro experience.

Serving Suggestions: Gyro Glam

Presentation is key, you know? For an authentic touch, try arranging the chicken gyro recipe components separately on a platter. This lets everyone build their own perfect bite. Think deconstructed gyros!

As for sides? Cucumber tzatziki and gyros go hand-in-hand like chips and dip. A classic Greek salad or some lemon roasted potatoes would also make a fantastic addition.

Don’t forget a refreshing beverage a crisp white wine or even a fizzy lemonade works a treat!

Storage Tips: Gyro Leftovers? Yes, Please!

Refrigerate leftover greek chicken separately from the pita bread. The chicken will stay good for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

The cucumber tzatziki is best consumed within 2 days, as the cucumber tends to release more water over time. Freezing the chicken gyro marinade isn't recommended.

But the cooked chicken freezes well for up to a month. Just thaw it completely before reheating. To reheat, use a skillet or oven until warmed through.

Ensure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Variations: Gyro Remix

Want to cater to different dietary needs? No problem! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita bread or serve the best gyro recipe fillings over a bed of fresh greens.

And if you're after a vegetarian option, halloumi cheese is your new best friend. Trust me, grilled halloumi in a greek chicken gyros with cucumber is heavenly.

I used to hate halloumi, but I gave it another shot, and now is my favorite!

As for seasonal swaps, in the summer, try adding some grilled zucchini or eggplant to the easy chicken gyro recipe . In the winter, roasted red peppers add a lovely sweetness.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Each authentic greek gyro packs a protein punch from the chicken, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Greek yogurt in the cucumber tzatziki offers calcium and probiotics for a healthy gut.

Keep in mind these are estimates, but expect around 450-550 calories per gyro. This mediterranean chicken recipe delivers a well rounded mix of nutrients that's both delicious and good for you! Plus, the healthy fats from the olive oil.

So, there you have it, my fellow food adventurers! Get in the kitchen and make some greek chicken gyros with cucumber now.

I promise you won’t regret it! And remember, how to make chicken gyro is an art, so have fun with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for these Greek chicken gyros with cucumber? Can I rush it?

Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor. Think of it like brewing a good cuppa the longer it steeps, the better it is! If you're short on time, even 30 minutes will help, but you won't get the full depth of flavor.

My tzatziki always ends up watery. What am I doing wrong when making it for my greek chicken gyros with cucumber?

The key to a thick, creamy tzatziki is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber. After grating, place it in a cheesecloth or clean tea towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. This makes all the difference, trust me - it's like squeezing the water out of a wet sponge before using it!

Can I make greek chicken gyros with cucumber in advance? What's the best way to store leftovers?

Yes, you can definitely prep some components ahead! The chicken can be marinated overnight, and the tzatziki can be made a day in advance. Store cooked chicken separately from the pita bread, sliced veggies, and tzatziki. When you're ready to assemble, simply warm the chicken and pita bread.

Leftovers are best stored in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any substitutions I can make to lighten up these greek chicken gyros with cucumber?

Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pita bread for added fiber. For a lighter tzatziki, use low-fat Greek yogurt. You can also load up on the veggies and go easy on the chicken. Consider serving it as a salad bowl over a bed of lettuce. It will be delicious still!

I don't have a grill pan. Can I still make these greek chicken gyros with cucumber?

Of course! While a grill pan gives those lovely char marks, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet over medium high heat. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan, cook in batches, and ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use different meats besides chicken in this recipe for gyros?

Yes, lamb or beef are traditional choices for gyros. Follow the marinade recipe as written, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired doneness. This recipe can also be adapted for vegetarian gyros with halloumi cheese which is a great alternative!