Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Greek chicken gyros are a delicious, flavorful dish that can easily transport you to the Mediterranean with each bite. This recipe combines marinated chicken strips with a creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce, all served in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these gyros are sure to impress.
Ingredients
**For the Chicken Gyros:**
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Pita bread or wraps, for serving
– Fresh vegetables (e.g., lettuce, tomato, onion) for topping
**For the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce:**
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 small cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. **Adjust to Taste**: Taste the tzatziki and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more minced garlic.
3. **Chill**: Cover the tzatziki and refrigerate until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. **Heat a Skillet**: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. **Cook the Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. **Rest the Chicken**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain moisture.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
1. **Warm the Pita**: If desired, warm the pita bread or wraps in the skillet for a minute on each side until pliable.
2. **Build Your Gyro**: Lay a piece of pita on a plate, add a generous portion of chicken, and top with fresh vegetables such as shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and onions.
3. **Add Tzatziki**: Drizzle the cucumber tzatziki sauce over the top, and if desired, sprinkle some additional dill or parsley for garnish.
4. **Wrap and Serve**: Fold the pita over the filling, or serve it open-faced. Enjoy your Greek chicken gyros while they’re warm!
Tips for Perfect Gyros
– **Marination Time**: For best results, marinate the chicken longer. This not only enhances flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
– **Cooking Method**: You can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor. If grilling, thread the chicken onto skewers for easy handling.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Pair these gyros with a Greek salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. You can also serve extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.
– **Storage**: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tzatziki can also be kept for about a week.
Nutritional Considerations
Greek chicken gyros are a great source of protein and can be made healthier by using whole wheat pita and loading up on fresh vegetables. The tzatziki sauce provides probiotics from the yogurt and can be a refreshing accompaniment that balances the spices in the chicken.
Conclusion
These Greek chicken gyros with cucumber tzatziki are not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer extra vegetables, a spicier tzatziki, or additional herbs, this recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece right at home with this satisfying meal!