Name: Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 Chicken Marinade; 4 pita flatbreads; 1 cucumber; ½ cup cherry tomatoes; 1 small red onion; ½ cup feta cheese; 1 Tzatziki sauce

This homemade chicken gyro with tzatziki recipe is a Greek-inspired delight that's packed with flavor. With tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce tucked into a soft pita flatbread, it's a meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.

Photos of Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Recipe

While most of the ingredients like chicken breasts, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion and pita flatbreads are commonly found in most home pantries, you may need to look for feta cheese and tzatziki sauce in the speciality aisles at your supermarket. Feta is a tangy, crumbly cheese while tzatziki sauce is a creamy, garlicky yogurt-based sauce - both integral to giving this dish its authentic Greek flavor.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that will be marinated and grilled.

Chicken marinade: This is to infuse the chicken with flavor. You can use a store-bought version or make your own with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

Pita flatbreads: Soft, pillowy bread to wrap around the ingredients.

Cucumber: Adds a fresh crunch to the gyro.

Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and slightly acidic, cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, bright contrast to the other ingredients.

Feta cheese: Salty and tangy, it balances the other flavors nicely.

Tzatziki sauce: A creamy, garlicky sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and herbs.

One reader, Holly-Anne Rapp says:

This homemade chicken gyro with tzatziki recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so authentic and the tzatziki sauce is the perfect finishing touch. It's a hit with my family every time I make it. Highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Holly-Anne Rapp

Key Techniques for Making Homemade Chicken Gyros

How to marinate the chicken: Mix the chicken marinade with the chicken breasts in a bowl, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor.

How to grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Use tongs to flip the chicken to ensure even cooking.

How to assemble the gyro: Place a pita flatbread on a clean surface. Arrange the grilled chicken strips, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese on top of the pita. Drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the ingredients.

How to make tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.

How To Make Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki

Enjoy chicken gyro, a quintessential Greek dish right at your home. The flavors are light and bold and it’s even served alongside some tzatziki sauce.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2chicken breasts
1Chicken Marinade,See recipe notes
4pita flatbreads
1cucumber,sliced
½cupcherry tomatoes,diced
1small red onion,sliced
½cupfeta cheese,crumbled
tzatziki sauce,See recipe notes

Instructions

Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium high.
Grill on each side for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Slice the chicken into strips.
Place a pita flatbread on the bottom. Add the chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta. Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top.

Recipe Notes

Recipe for chicken marinade

Recipe for tzatziki sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 1762.76kcal
Fat: 85.77g
Saturated Fat: 21.25g
Trans Fat: 0.38g
Monounsaturated Fat: 43.34g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15.13g
Carbohydrates: 134.94g
Fiber: 7.42g
Sugar: 9.64g
Protein: 109.05g
Cholesterol: 297.37mg
Sodium: 2459.65mg
Calcium: 279.26mg
Potassium: 1368.44mg
Iron: 15.15mg
Vitamin A: 180.27µg
Vitamin C: 11.20mg

Mastering the Art of Tzatziki: A Crucial Technique Tip

When marinating your chicken, ensure to use a non-reactive dish like glass or plastic. Metal containers can react with the acid in the marinade and give the chicken an off-taste. Also, to ensure the chicken is evenly coated, you can use a zip-top bag and squeeze out the air before sealing. This allows the marinade to fully surround the chicken for a more flavorful result.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Homemade Tzatziki and Chicken Gyros

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking. This will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize, cutting down on prep time.

Use pre-made sauce: Save time by using store-bought tzatziki sauce instead of making it from scratch. This will cut down on prep time and make the cooking process more efficient.

Pre-cut ingredients: Consider purchasing pre-cut vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and pre-crumbled feta cheese to streamline the assembly process and reduce prep time.

Grill in batches: If cooking for a larger group, grill the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and to expedite the grilling process.

Invest in a grill pan: If a grill is not available, consider using a grill pan on the stovetop to achieve similar charred flavors and grill marks on the chicken.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with lamb: Lamb is a traditional protein used in gyros and will provide a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes will add a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
feta cheese - Substitute with halloumi cheese: Halloumi cheese has a similar salty flavor and a firm texture that makes it a great substitute for feta in this recipe.
tzatziki sauce - Substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and cucumber: This homemade alternative will provide a similar creamy and tangy flavor to the traditional tzatziki sauce.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Homemade Gyro Experience

Elevate the chicken marinade: Marinate the chicken with a blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and Mediterranean spices to infuse it with rich, tangy flavors.
Craft artisanal pita flatbreads: Prepare homemade pita flatbreads using a combination of flour, yeast, and olive oil, then grill them to achieve a warm, slightly charred texture.
Create a vibrant tzatziki sauce: Hand-grate cucumber and mix it with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice to achieve a refreshing and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Compose a colorful plate: Arrange the grilled chicken, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese in an artful display on the plate.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the gyro to add a final touch of aromatic and flavorful accents.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Homemade Chicken Gyros

To store leftover chicken gyro, wrap each assembled gyro tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped gyros in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store the components separately, place the grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the sliced vegetables and feta cheese in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pita bread at room temperature in a sealed plastic bag for up to 2 days.
To freeze the grilled chicken, place the cooled chicken strips in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the gyros.
It's not recommended to freeze the assembled chicken gyros as the pita bread and vegetables may become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately for later use.
The tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before using it, as some separation may occur during storage.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Gyros

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover chicken gyro in aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents the pita bread from becoming too crispy.
If you prefer a crispier pita bread, you can reheat the chicken gyro in a skillet or on a griddle. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the gyro in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pita bread is crispy and the chicken is heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the leftover chicken gyro on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the gyro, as this can cause the pita bread to become soggy.
To reheat the tzatziki sauce, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for 10-15 seconds, or until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you have leftover vegetables from the gyro, such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, you can reheat them separately in a skillet or microwave. This will help to maintain their texture and flavor.

Interesting Trivia About Chicken Gyros and Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek condiment made from yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic. It is a versatile and refreshing addition to many Mediterranean dishes.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Chicken Gyros: Is It Worth the Effort?

The cost-effectiveness of this homemade chicken gyro with tzatziki recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, are generally affordable and readily available. The recipe offers a good balance of protein, vegetables, and dairy, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-25, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Chicken Gyro Recipe Healthy?

The homemade chicken gyro with tzatziki recipe can be considered a relatively healthy option, as it includes lean protein from the chicken and various fresh vegetables. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The marinade and tzatziki sauce may contain high amounts of fat and sodium, depending on the ingredients used
Pita flatbreads are often made with refined flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain options
Feta cheese, while providing calcium and protein, is also high in saturated fat and sodium

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a marinade with less oil and more herbs and spices for flavor
Opt for whole wheat or multigrain pita flatbreads to increase fiber intake
Reduce the amount of feta cheese or choose a lower-fat variety
Include additional vegetables, such as lettuce or bell peppers, to boost nutrient content
Prepare the tzatziki sauce using low-fat Greek yogurt and limit the amount of oil used
Grill the chicken without added oil to reduce overall fat content
Serve the gyros with a side salad to increase vegetable intake and provide a balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious homemade chicken gyro that supports your overall health and well-being.

Editor's Take: Why This Chicken Gyro Recipe Is a Must-Try

This homemade chicken gyro with tzatziki recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The marinated grilled chicken brings a smoky and savory element, while the fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add a burst of crispness and color. The creamy tzatziki sauce ties everything together with its tangy and refreshing taste. The combination of these ingredients inside a warm pita creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. The recipe is simple to prepare and offers a taste of the Mediterranean that will surely impress your guests.

Enhance Your Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in a light vinaigrette.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection with a sprinkle of herbs and olive oil.

Mediterranean Rice Pilaf: Fluffy basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices, toasted pine nuts, and dried fruits for a burst of flavor.

Explore These Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Chicken Gyros

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Use a mixture of ground lamb, rice, tomatoes, and spices to stuff bell peppers, then bake until tender.

Citrus Glazed Salmon: Marinate salmon fillets in a tangy citrus glaze, then grill or bake until flaky and delicious.

Summer Berry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: Toss together mixed greens, fresh berries, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing and light summer salad.

Coconut Curry Chicken Soup: Simmer chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices in a creamy coconut curry broth for a comforting and flavorful soup.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent and rich chocolate lava cake with a gooey molten center, perfect for a special dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas for a Well-Rounded Chicken Gyro Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy for a delicious bite-sized treat.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta. Toasted bread topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil is sure to impress your guests with its fresh and zesty flavors.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Why trust this Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delicious and authentic homemade chicken gyro experience. The chicken breasts are marinated to perfection, ensuring juicy and flavorful results. The addition of fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion provides a burst of vibrant flavors and textures. The creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing and tangy element, while the crumbled feta cheese brings a delightful richness. With high-quality ingredients such as pita flatbreads and a carefully crafted chicken marinade, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and authentic Greek cuisine experience.

Want to share your own twist on this Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section and let us know how you made it your own!

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Can I use a different type of meat for this gyro?

Absolutely! You can use lamb, pork, or even tofu as a substitute for the chicken to create a different variation of the gyro.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce if you're short on time. However, making it from scratch will give you the freshest and most authentic flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. You can also add some hummus for extra flavor and protein.