Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Marinated Chicken 🍗🇬🇷✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, authentic Greek dish, look no further than this Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe. Made with tender marinated chicken, fresh herbs, and served in warm pita bread, these Marinated Chicken Gyros are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering. Greek cuisine is renowned for its healthy ingredients and bold flavors, and this recipe encapsulates those qualities beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare this delicious dish at home.
2. Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables: cucumber, tomato, lettuce
- Optional: Tzatziki sauce
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marinated Chicken Gyros
Prepare the Marinate
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken
Grill the marinated chicken on a preheated grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side. Alternatively, cook in a skillet with a little oil until golden brown and cooked through.
Slice the Chicken
Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips. For added authenticity, you can use a dinner-focused knife for precision slicing.
Assemble Your Gyros
Warm the pita bread briefly, then layer with sliced chicken, chopped vegetables, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Wrap tightly and serve immediately.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Gyros
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot. Keep the pita bread and fresh vegetables separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros
Pair your gyros with a simple Greek salad, crispy fries, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a more traditional experience, serve with an icy cold glass of ouzo or a refreshing parsley lemonade. Interested in more Mediterranean-inspired tapas? Explore our chicken recipes collection for ideas.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Greek Gyros with other proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with lamb, beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional pita bread contains gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total prep and cook time is approximately 45 minutes, including marinating time. For quicker meals, marinate the chicken ahead of time.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for preparing refreshing beverages to accompany your gyros.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make preparing fresh vegetables quick and easy for your garnishes.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Ideal for cooking larger batches of marinated chicken in advance.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures easy cooking and cleaning for your gyro ingredients.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Great for crispy, healthy chicken if you prefer an air-fried version.
8. Conclusion
Making Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros at home is a delightful way to experience Greek cuisine’s rich flavors. With tender marinated chicken, fresh ingredients, and simple assembly, this dish offers a perfect blend of savory and zestful tastes. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe will impress everyone at your table. Try it today and enjoy the authentic flavors of Greece right in your kitchen!
Print
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Marinated Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh herbs, and classic tzatziki sauce, served in warm pita bread for a delicious and healthy meal.
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh vegetables: cucumber, tomato, lettuce
- Optional: Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side. Alternatively, cook in a skillet with a little oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Warm the pita bread briefly. Layer with sliced chicken, chopped vegetables, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Wrap tightly and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; for more flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- For a healthier option, use chicken breast fillets and grill or air-fry for a crispy texture.
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste and authenticity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available with gluten-free flatbreads
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg