Introduction
Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and flavorful dish that originated in Greece. These gyros consist of tender, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, along with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. Whether you’re a fan of Greek cuisine or looking to try something new, Greek Chicken Gyros are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
To make Greek Chicken Gyros, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 tablespoons lemon juice
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pita breads
– Tzatziki sauce
– Sliced tomatoes
– Sliced cucumbers
– Sliced red onions
– Fresh lettuce
Steps
1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
4. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
6. Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a toaster oven.
7. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread.
8. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, and the grilled chicken.
9. Roll up the pita breads tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
10. Serve the Greek Chicken Gyros immediately and enjoy!
Variations
There are several variations you can try to customize your Greek Chicken Gyros:
– Add crumbled feta cheese for an extra tangy flavor.
– Substitute the chicken with lamb or beef for a different protein option.
– Spice it up by adding sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce.
– For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
Tips
Here are some tips to make the most out of your Greek Chicken Gyros:
– For extra tender and flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight.
– If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
– Don’t skimp on the tzatziki sauce! It adds a creamy and refreshing element to the gyros.
– Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
– Serve the gyros with a side of Greek salad or crispy french fries for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a mouthwatering Greek dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavors. The tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce all come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you’re enjoying them for lunch, dinner, or at a gathering with friends, Greek Chicken Gyros are sure to impress. So, grab some pita bread, marinate your chicken, and get ready to indulge in this delightful Greek delicacy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! In fact, tzatziki sauce tastes even better when refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: If you have any leftovers, store the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the gyros.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Q: Are gyros only made with chicken?
A: No, gyros can be made with various meats such as lamb, beef, or even a combination of different meats. The choice of protein is entirely up to you.
Q: Can I make gyros without pita bread?
A: While pita bread is commonly used to make gyros, you can try using other types of flatbread or wraps as well.
