CHICKEN GYRO RECIPE
When you want something packed with flavor and quick to make, this chicken gyro recipe is the answer. The classic Greek gyro has also come a long way for years, and here is the chicken version creating a lighter or perhaps healthier alternative to the traditional lamb or pork of course. Whether you've never had Greek chicken gyros before or are on the search for a healthier chicken gyro recipe, this homemade version is it. I am hoping to take you from scratch — what goes into the recipe, how we prepare it, and all those little things you need to keep in mind when making an authentic chicken gyro recipe at home!
INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING HOMEMADE CHICKEN GYRO RECIPE
FOR THE CHICKEN MARINADE:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
FOR THE TZATZIKI SAUCE
(optional, for those looking for a chicken gyro recipe without yogurt, skip this part):
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free option)
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
FOR THE TOPPING
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Cucumbers
- Pita bread or flatbread of choice
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN GYRO
MARINATE THE CHICKEN
- In a bowl mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika (or freshly ground blackened pepper), salt, and black pepper.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, allowing the chicken to be well coated with the marinate completely. If you want the chicken gyro recipe to give you the fullest flavor, I suggest you marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour (you can marinate overnight for even more chicken flavor).
NOTE: You have the option to use ground chicken to make a ground chicken gyro recipe, you would simply mix it with the above seasonings and then discard it! It's just that easy!
COOKING THE CHICKEN:
- Preheat your grill or a skillet set over medium-high heat.
- On just about the stovetop, cook for 6-8 minutes on each facet till the hen is cooked completely. Shape the ground chicken if using them into patties and cook as same flipping once through halfway.
PREPARING THE TZATZIKI SAUCE
- All you do is combine Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you need a chicken gyro recipe without yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and season salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix until smooth and creamy. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
ASSEMBLING THE GYRO
- Warm the pita or flatbread.
- Carve the cooked chicken and partition it in the middle of the pita.
- Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers
- Spoon a little tzatziki over the top or if you-can-use-whatever-dressing-you-like.
SERVING SUGGESTION
Gyros are usually accompanied by fries or a classic Greek salad. You could also choose roast vegetables for a lower-point salad. To keep everything neatly wrapped, tuck in the bottom of the pita first when folding. This recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros makes a perfect cheap and easy weekday lunch or dinner, but it is also great for meal prep!
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Loaded with these as well, fresh veggies for a delicious tasting healthy chicken gyro recipe. This is a just rough break out of what goes into each serving (Without Tzatziki)
- Calories: 350-400 (depending on portion)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fats: 10g
This homemade chicken gyro recipe is completely adaptable to any dietary plan you're following. To make this a halal chicken gyro recipe, your meat needs to be purchased from halal-certified vendors.
