Easy Chicken Gyros

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat pita breads - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced - ½ red onion, finely sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For a tasty chicken gyros, you need basic ingredients. The chicken breasts give the dish its main flavor. Olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth. Don't forget the salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. Whole wheat pita breads help wrap everything together. Greek yogurt acts as a creamy base for the tzatziki sauce. Lemon juice brightens the sauce. Fresh veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add crunch and freshness. - Feta cheese, crumbled - Black olives, sliced - Fresh mint, chopped You can add feta cheese for a salty kick. Black olives bring a briny taste. Fresh mint adds a burst of color and flavor. These extras can make your gyros even more special. - Chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts - Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil - Plain yogurt can replace Greek yogurt If you want a different texture, use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. You can swap olive oil for avocado oil if you prefer. If you don't have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt works fine, too. Just remember, the flavor may change a bit. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to marinate the chicken. This step adds great flavor. In a bowl, whisk together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Next, add the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure they are covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This makes the chicken taste even better. After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips. This keeps the chicken juicy. While the chicken rests, let’s make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 diced cucumber - Salt and pepper to taste Stir well until it’s smooth. Now it's time to warm the pita breads. Heat a dry skillet on low for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Now, let’s assemble the gyros. Take a warm pita and add a generous amount of sliced chicken in the center. Top with: - Diced cherry tomatoes - Finely sliced red onion - A dollop of tzatziki sauce Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Wrap the pita around the filling, and it’s ready to eat! Enjoy your homemade chicken gyros! To make juicy chicken, start with a good marinade. The mix of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder adds flavor. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat absorb the spices. I prefer to marinate it for up to two hours. The longer, the better the taste! When cooking, use medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Check the temperature with a food thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. After cooking, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This will keep the juices locked in. Warming pita bread is simple and quick. Use a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the pita in the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side. This makes the bread soft and warm. You can also wrap the pita in foil and place it in a warm oven. This works well if you are warming several at once. Avoid overheating the pita, as it can become tough. Warmed pita is easy to wrap around the fillings, making it perfect for gyros. To boost flavor, use fresh vegetables. Diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add crunch and taste. Fresh parsley gives a nice pop of color and flavor. Don’t skip the tzatziki sauce! Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and cucumber for a creamy dip. This sauce adds freshness to your gyros. For a twist, add a pinch of dill or mint to the tzatziki. This adds another layer of flavor. Enjoy experimenting with spices! You can even add a touch of smoked paprika or cumin to the chicken marinade. This personal touch can make your gyros even more delicious! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for the full 2 hours enhances the flavors significantly, making each bite more delicious. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect cooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Keep Pitas Warm: Wrap the warm pitas in a clean kitchen towel while you prepare the rest of the ingredients to keep them soft and warm until serving. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Beef or lamb works great. Just use the same marinade. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Press it to remove water, then marinate like the chicken. Cook until golden. Each protein brings a unique taste to your gyros. You can serve gyros in two fun ways. Wrap the fillings in pita. This is easy to eat on the go. You can also serve it on a plate. Just lay the chicken and toppings on a bed of greens or rice. Both styles taste amazing, so choose what you like. Toppings can make your gyros special. Try adding feta cheese for a salty bite. Pickles or olives bring a tangy flavor. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach. This lets you create your perfect gyro. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! To keep your chicken gyros fresh, store them in airtight containers. First, let the gyros cool down. Then, place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps to keep the chicken juicy and safe to eat. If you made tzatziki sauce, store it separately to avoid sogginess. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. Start by removing the chicken from the pita. Heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This makes sure it warms evenly. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Once heated, replace the chicken in the pita and add fresh toppings. Chicken gyros can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage like changes in smell or texture. If you see or smell something off, it’s best to throw it away. This way, you can enjoy your meal without worry! You can use sour cream if you don’t have Greek yogurt. It gives a nice creaminess. Plain yogurt also works well. Just strain it to get rid of extra liquid. This keeps your tzatziki thick and tasty. Yes, you can prepare chicken gyros in advance. Marinate the chicken ahead of time. You can also cook it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you are ready to eat. Assemble the gyros right before serving for the best taste. Chicken gyros can be a healthy meal option. Chicken is a great source of protein. Whole wheat pita adds fiber. Fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes provide vitamins. Just watch the amount of tzatziki sauce you use. It can add extra calories. Overall, they are a balanced meal choice. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and smart tips. You can create juicy chicken gyros with just a few simple steps. Adding different proteins or toppings allows for unique flavors. Proper storage keeps your gyros fresh for meals later. It’s easy to make great gyros at home. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with these delicious dishes.$

A simple and delicious recipe for homemade chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
4 pieces whole wheat pita breads
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 piece cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
0.5 piece red onion, finely sliced
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
While the chicken rests, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, diced cucumber, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
Assemble the gyros by placing a generous amount of sliced chicken in the center of each pita. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and wrap the pita around the filling.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chicken gyros!

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, Greek food, gyros