Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a flavorful and satisfying dish, combining juicy, seasoned chicken with a creamy, tangy cucumber tzatziki sauce. It’s a great meal for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Greek Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated or finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads (you can also use wraps)
- Fresh vegetables (optional: tomatoes, onions, lettuce)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or leave them whole for grilling or pan-searing.
- Coat the chicken in the marinade mixture, making sure all pieces are evenly covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
2. Make the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce:
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater or finely dice it. Place it in a clean towel or paper towels and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Option 1: Grilling – Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken strips for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Option 2: Pan-searing – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan and cook the chicken strips for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Warm the Pita Bread:
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until soft and slightly browned.
- Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven or microwave.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
- Place the warm pita bread on a plate.
- Add a few spoonfuls of the cooked chicken to the center of each pita.
- Top with a generous amount of the cucumber tzatziki sauce.
- Add any extra toppings you desire, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill.
6. Serve:
- Fold the pita around the chicken and tzatziki, wrap it up, and enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki!
Tips:
- You can customize the toppings by adding sliced red onions, fresh tomatoes, or even Kalamata olives for extra flavor.
- For a more authentic touch, serve with a side of Greek fries (crispy fries topped with oregano, salt, and lemon).
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can skip the pita and serve the chicken and tzatziki sauce with a salad or wrap it in a lettuce leaf.
Enjoy:
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are packed with flavor, offering the perfect balance of juicy, well-seasoned chicken and cool, tangy tzatziki. It’s a satisfying and fresh dish that brings a taste of Greece right to your kitchen!