If you’re looking for a fast, easy and delicious meal, then these make-ahead Chicken Gyros are just the thing! Marinating the chicken beforehand infuses it with loads of flavor from the warm spices and gives it that authentic Greek touch. Load them into a pita wrap with a homemade tzatziki sauce and whatever fixings you love and you’ve got yourself a meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, you can cook them in a non-stick pan, on an outdoor grill, or even in the oven!
Greek cuisine is well known for its use of fresh herbs and spices, Greek yogurt and delectable meats. Chicken tenders are the go-to choice, but if they’re not available you can use chicken breasts and cut them into thin strips. Enjoy!
Chicken gyros are a delicious and flavorful Mediterranean dish that is loved by many around the world. This classic street food is made by marinating tender strips of chicken in a blend of spices and then cooking them on a vertical rotisserie until juicy and succulent. The chicken is then nestled into a warm pita bread with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and finished off with a tangy sauce.
Chicken gyros are easy to make and can be customized to suit your personal preferences. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and other seasonings to achieve that distinct Mediterranean flavor. The chicken is then grilled or broiled until cooked through, sliced into thin strips, and served in a pita bread with your choice of toppings.
This recipe is a healthier alternative to the traditional pork or lamb gyros and is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s also great for outdoor gatherings and picnics, as it’s portable and can be served in individual portions. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or just looking for a new twist on chicken, this chicken gyro recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a delicious and authentic chicken gyro!
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PrintChicken Gyro
Easy, make-ahead chicken gyros! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and whip up your homemade tzatziki too! So fast, so good!
- Prep Time: :40
- Cook Time: :10
- Total Time: :50
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Oven or Grill
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb Chicken tenders
- Extra virgin olive oil for the pan
For the Chicken Gyro Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (you can use reduced fat or fat free Greek yogurt if you like)
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt, generous pinch to taste
- Black pepper, generous pinch to taste
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- pinch cayenne pepper, optional
Other Gyro Fixings
- Homemade Pita Bread
- Homemade Tztaziki Sauce
- 1 large Tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 green pepper, cored and sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced into half moons
- pitted kalamata olives
Instructions
- Marinate chicken and prepare gyro fixings. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients, mix well. Add the chicken tenders and mix to make sure chicken is well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight.) Meanwhile, make Tztaziki sauce according to this recipe, and prepare the pitas and other gyro fixings.
- Cook chicken. Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken tenders to the pan (make sure to shake off any excess marinade before adding chicken to the pan.) Cook on one side undisturbed for 5 minutes until browned. Using a pair of tongs, turn chicken over and cook on other side for another 5 minutes or until chicken is done. (See notes for outdoor grilling)
- Assemble the chicken gyros. Warm up some pita. Spread Tztaziki sauce on top, then add chicken (about 2 to 3 tenders) and top with tomato, cucumber, green pepper, red onion and olives as you like. Wrap the pita up and enjoy!
Notes
Outdoor Grilling: If you’d rather fire up the grill for these chicken gyros, you can grill them on a medium-heated grill for 5 minutes on one side, turn over and cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is fully done (internal temperature should register 165 degrees F.)
Baking in the Oven: heat oven to 375 degrees F. Shake excess marinade off the chicken tenders and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in heated oven for about 20 minutes or until done.
Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and marinate one night in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook.