Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean, these Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce will transport your taste buds straight to a sunny Greek island. Bursting with flavors and textures, this recipe is a delightful mix of succulent grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a warm pita. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken

  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders or breasts, cut into strips
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dried Mediterranean oregano
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 baby cucumbers, grated
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

  • 4 pitas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup pickled onions
  • 2 baby cucumbers, diced
  • 1 beefsteak tomato, diced
  • 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Greek Chicken

Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.

Grill the Chicken

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, clean and lightly oil the grates. If using a grill pan, drizzle some olive oil on it.
  2. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely charred.

Tzatziki Sauce

Combine the Ingredients

  1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, dill, cumin, lemon zest, and olive oil until smooth.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to assemble the gyros, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Gyros

Build the Gyros

  1. Place a warm pita on a plate.
  2. Add a portion of the grilled chicken.
  3. Top with shredded lettuce, pickled onions, diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
  4. Generously drizzle with the Tzatziki sauce.
  5. Fold the pita over the fillings or wrap it up.
  6. Enjoy your freshly made Greek Chicken Gyros with a side of extra Tzatziki sauce for dipping!

Tips for the Perfect Gyros

  • Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you can, marinate it overnight.
  • Grilling: Ensure your grill or grill pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps in getting those beautiful char marks and a nice smoky flavor.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Make the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors blend well.
  • Serving: Warm the pitas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.

These Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce are perfect for a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or any time you want to enjoy a taste of Greece. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Give this recipe a try and bring a bit of the Mediterranean to your kitchen!

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