Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Greece without leaving your kitchen? Dive into the irresistible flavors of Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Cucumber Sauce! This delightful dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the vibrant streets of Greece right to your dinner table. With juicy marinated chicken nestled in warm pita bread and topped with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a delicious Greek feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pita breads
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- For the tzatziki cucumber sauce, take the grated cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in fresh chopped dill to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken slices to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita breads. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, slice the chicken into smaller strips for serving.
- To assemble the gyros, take a warm pita bread and layer it with a generous portion of the cooked chicken. Top with a few spoonfuls of the tzatziki cucumber sauce. You can also add additional toppings like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or red onion if desired.
- Fold the pita over the filling, and enjoy your homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Cucumber Sauce!
Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to an hour. This extra time will infuse the chicken with even more flavor.
- Squeeze the Cucumber: Don’t skip the step of squeezing out excess moisture from the grated cucumber for your tzatziki sauce. This will ensure your sauce is thick and creamy, not watery.
- Check the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Warm Your Pita: For the best experience, warm your pita bread just before serving. This makes them more pliable and enhances the overall taste.
- Customize Your Gyros: Feel free to add your favorite toppings! Fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or tangy red onions can elevate your gyros even further.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it will develop even more flavor!
- Serve with Sides: Consider serving your gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
