Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade Recipe
Introduction
Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful, quick meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender lemon-herb marinated chicken is wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Cut the chicken into strips and marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Step 5: Warm the pita breads on the grill for about a minute.
- Step 6: Assemble the gyros by placing the cooked chicken, tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions inside each pita.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade.
- Swap chicken breast for thighs for a juicier gyro.
- Try adding cucumber slices or feta cheese for added texture and taste.
- Use whole wheat pita for a healthier option.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pita bread is best stored at room temperature wrapped in foil or plastic. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the gyros to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This helps deepen the flavors when you marinate the chicken.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken strips in a skillet or oven broiler. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and get a nice sear for the best taste.
PrintGreek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade Recipe
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender chicken breast marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend, grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gyros Assembly
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to form the flavorful marinade that will tenderize and season the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into strips and immerse them in the marinade. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the bright, herby flavors.
- Preheat the cooking surface: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips onto the grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they are fully cooked through and nicely charred.
- Warm the pita breads: Briefly warm the pita breads on the grill or skillet for about one minute to make them soft and pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the gyros: Lay out the warmed pita breads and layer each with cooked chicken strips, tzatziki sauce, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onions.
- Serve and enjoy: Fold the pita around the fillings, serve immediately to enjoy the freshest, most vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt-based tzatziki for authentic taste and creaminess.
- Feel free to add cucumbers or feta cheese for extra texture and flavor.
- If grilling is unavailable, a skillet or grill pan works perfectly on the stovetop.
- Warm the pita bread only shortly to avoid drying it out.
Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, grilled chicken gyros, lemon herb chicken, Mediterranean chicken wrap, tzatziki sauce recipe, easy chicken gyros
