Description
Mediterranean magic unfolds in this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe, blending zesty marinated chicken with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetables. Fragrant herbs and tangy flavors will transport you straight to a sunlit Greek taverna, promising a delightful culinary journey.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breasts, cut into strips
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Serving Components:
- 4 pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped lettuce
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and robust seasonings in a mixing container.
- Submerge chicken strips completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until surface is evenly heated to approximately 375°F.
- Transfer marinated chicken strips to the hot surface, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Simultaneously, lightly toast pita breads on the same skillet for 30-45 seconds, creating a warm and slightly crisp texture.
- Layer the grilled chicken onto the warm pita bread, creating a generous protein foundation.
- Generously spread cool, tangy tzatziki sauce across the chicken, providing a creamy contrast to the warm meat.
- Sprinkle fresh diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crisp lettuce leaves over the sauce for added texture and freshness.
- Carefully fold and roll the pita bread, tucking in the ingredients to create a compact, handheld meal.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste penetration.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken strips for juicier, more tender meat that holds marinades better.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pita bread with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Quickly sear chicken on high heat for crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg