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To make your chicken gyros, you need a few key items. Here’s what to gather: - 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a tasty marinade. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and flavor. The olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking. Garlic, oregano, and paprika give the chicken a rich taste. The lemon juice adds a nice zing. Next, you’ll want fresh veggies to top your gyros. Here’s what you should have: - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup tomatoes, diced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded These veggies add crunch and freshness. The cucumber cools the dish, while the tomatoes and red onion bring in a burst of flavor. Lettuce gives a nice texture, making each bite enjoyable. For some extra flair, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, for garnish - Extra dollop of Greek yogurt Parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste on top. A dollop of Greek yogurt can enhance the creaminess and flavor. You can make your gyros look even more appealing with these simple touches. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix these items well. The yogurt gives the chicken a creamy texture. Olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. The spices and lemon juice enhance the taste. Next, take the chicken breasts. Cut them into thin strips. Add the chicken to the marinade in the bowl. Toss the strips until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least one hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. When you are ready to cook, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place the chicken strips on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want nice grill marks and the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy. Now it’s time to build your gyros. Warm the whole wheat pita breads in a hot pan for 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Place sliced chicken in the center of each pita. Top with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded lettuce. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley. You can also add extra Greek yogurt if you like. Serve each gyro on a plate with a side of tzatziki sauce. This adds a cool and creamy flavor. Wrap the bottom of the pita in parchment paper. This makes it easier to hold and eat. Enjoy this colorful and tasty meal! To grill chicken perfectly, start with a good marinade. This helps keep the meat juicy. I recommend marinating your chicken for at least one hour. If you have time, let it marinate overnight. This allows flavors to soak in better. Always preheat your grill before adding the chicken. Aim for medium-high heat for the best sear. Grill each strip for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Let it rest after grilling. This step locks in moisture. To boost the taste of your chicken gyros, try adding spices to your marinade. A pinch of sumac can add a tangy touch. You can also include a splash of red wine vinegar for extra zest. When serving, drizzle some tzatziki sauce over the top. This creamy sauce pairs well with the grilled chicken. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can also enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to season the vegetables too. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can make a big difference. For a vibrant meal, serve your gyros with a side of tzatziki sauce. This cool dip complements the warm chicken perfectly. You can also add a side salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This adds color and freshness. If you want a crunchy texture, consider adding pickled vegetables. Wrap the bottom of each pita in parchment paper. This makes them easier to hold and keeps them warm. Enjoy your gyros with friends or family for a fun meal. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for a more intense flavor and juiciness. Grill at the Right Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for perfect grill marks and even cooking. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like feta cheese, olives, or avocado for a unique twist. Keep Pitas Warm: Wrap the warm pita breads in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm while you assemble the gyros. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins in this recipe. Try turkey, beef, or lamb. Each option brings its own taste. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. For example, turkey cooks faster than chicken. Always check the internal temperature to ensure safety. For a meat-free choice, use grilled mushrooms or jackfruit. These options soak up flavors well. You can also try marinated tofu or tempeh. Both provide a great texture and protein. Just follow the same marinade steps and grill them as you would chicken. Change the marinade to switch up flavors. For a spicy kick, add chili powder or cayenne. If you like herbs, try fresh dill or basil. A bit of honey can add sweetness too. Mix things up to find your perfect taste combination. Experimenting keeps meals fun and exciting! You can keep leftover chicken gyros in the fridge. Place the gyros in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you have leftover chicken, store it separately. This way, the pita won't get soggy. You can freeze the chicken gyros for later. Wrap each gyro tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or stove. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the gyros in foil and heat for about 15 minutes. For the stove, warm a pan over medium heat. Heat the gyros for about 5 minutes on each side. Make sure they are hot all the way through. Enjoy your tasty meal! You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. This time lets the chicken soak up the flavors. For the best taste, try marinating overnight. The longer you marinate, the more the spices blend into the meat. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free! Just swap the whole wheat pita for gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps. This change keeps all the tasty flavors while making it great for gluten-free diets. Chicken gyros pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas: - Tzatziki sauce - Greek salad - Roasted vegetables - Sweet potato fries - Rice or quinoa These sides add more flavor and texture to your meal. To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Grill the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Also, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This resting time helps the juices stay inside the meat. Marinating the chicken also helps it stay moist and flavorful. In summary, we covered the key ingredients for chicken gyros, from marinade to garnishes. The step-by-step guide helps you prepare, grill, and assemble your dish with ease. Tips and tricks ensure great flavor and grilling success. We explored variations for proteins and storage methods. Finally, I answered common questions to boost your confidence. With these insights, you can create delicious chicken gyros that impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Protein-Packed Chicken Gyros

A healthy and delicious chicken gyro recipe packed with protein and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 juice of lemon
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 whole wheat pita breads
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 1 half red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  • Warm the whole wheat pita breads on a hot pan for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
  • Assemble the gyros by placing sliced chicken in the center of each pita bread.
  • Top with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.

Notes

Serve each gyro on a plate with a side of tzatziki sauce and extra diced vegetables for a colorful and inviting meal. Wrap the bottom of the pita in parchment paper for easier handling.
Keyword chicken, gyros, healthy, Mediterranean