Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring tender, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with a refreshing and creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce. This flavorful and healthy meal is complemented with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
4 pita breads
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup lettuce, shredded
Optional: Feta cheese, olives
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
– In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Chicken:
– Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken strips for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
Warm pita breads on the grill or in a skillet. Place a few chicken strips in the center of each pita. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and shredded lettuce. Add feta cheese and olives if desired.
5. Serve:
Fold the pita bread over the filling and serve immediately.
NOTES:
Marinade Timing: Marinating the chicken overnight will give the best flavor, but if short on time, even 1-2 hours will suffice.
Tzatziki Tips: Make the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra lemon juice or olive oil.
Pita Options: Whole wheat pita or flatbread can be used for a healthier option.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and crunch.
Leftovers: Store each component separately in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and pita before reassembling the gyros.
Nutritional Info: (per serving)
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Sugars: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Adjustments like using low-fat yogurt or adding more vegetables can alter the nutritional content.
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Enjoy.