Chicken Gyro Recipe

Chicken breast: Sliced thinly, this is the main protein for the gyros.

Olive oil: Used to marinate the chicken and add richness.

Oregano: A dried herb that adds a Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a bit of color to the chicken.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the chicken.

Greek yogurt: The base for the tzatziki sauce, providing creaminess and tang.

Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the tzatziki sauce.

Minced garlic: Fresh garlic that adds a robust flavor to the tzatziki sauce.

Dill: A fresh herb that adds a distinctive flavor to the tzatziki sauce.

Cucumber: Grated and mixed into the tzatziki sauce for a refreshing crunch.

Pita bread: Soft, round flatbread used to wrap the gyros.

Tomato: Diced and added to the gyros for freshness and color.

Red onion: Sliced thinly and added to the gyros for a bit of sharpness and crunch.

When preparing the chicken for the gyro, ensure that the slices are uniform in thickness. This will help them cook evenly on the grill. Additionally, when making the tzatziki sauce, it's crucial to squeeze out the excess water from the grated cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring out the moisture.

• sliced chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in place of oregano.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar depth of flavor and can be used if garlic powder is unavailable.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit more heat but can provide a similar smoky flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.

• greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative.

• fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste offers a similar intense garlic flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• chopped dill - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace dill in many recipes.

• grated cucumber - Substitute with grated zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute.

• pita bread - Substitute with naan bread: Naan bread has a similar texture and can be used as a wrap for the gyro.

• diced tomato - Substitute with diced red bell pepper: Red bell pepper provides a similar sweetness and crunch.

• sliced red onion - Substitute with sliced shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor but can provide a similar texture and taste.

• Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Store the chicken slices in an airtight container. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to extend the freshness.

• Keep the tzatziki sauce in a separate airtight container. This prevents the sauce from making the pita bread and other ingredients soggy.

• Place the diced tomatoes and sliced red onions in individual containers or resealable plastic bags. This keeps them fresh and crisp.

• For the pita bread, wrap each piece in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in a resealable plastic bag to maintain their softness.

• If you plan to freeze the chicken, lay the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the slices from sticking together.

• The tzatziki sauce can also be frozen, but it may separate upon thawing. To remedy this, stir well after thawing to restore its creamy texture.

• Label each container with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use the oldest items first.

• When ready to use, thaw the chicken and tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

• Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet before assembling your gyros. This brings back their soft, pliable texture.

• Assemble your chicken gyros just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sliced chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. Warm the pita bread separately by wrapping them in foil and placing them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the chicken reheating time.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the sliced chicken breast in the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Warm the pita bread in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sliced chicken breast on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
  4. Warm the pita bread by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 20-30 seconds.

• Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. Store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  2. Stir well before serving to ensure the grated cucumber and other ingredients are well mixed.

• Assembling Leftovers:

  1. Once the sliced chicken breast and pita bread are reheated, assemble the gyros as you would with fresh ingredients.
  2. Add the diced tomato, sliced red onion, and a generous amount of tzatziki sauce.
  3. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper with the chicken slices for marination.

• Grill: Preheated to medium-high heat to cook the marinated chicken slices until fully cooked.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken on the grill to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the chicken breast and dicing the tomato and red onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the chicken and chopping the vegetables.

• Bowl: Used to mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and grated cucumber to prepare the tzatziki sauce.

• Grater: Needed to grate the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce.

• Spoon: Useful for stirring the tzatziki sauce ingredients together.

• Plate: To place the grilled chicken and warm pita bread before assembling the gyros.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices and other ingredients like olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the assembled gyros with all the toppings.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken marinade the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Pre-grate cucumber: Grate the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-sliced veggies: Buy pre-sliced red onion and diced tomato to cut down on prep time.

Batch grill: Grill extra chicken and store it for quick assembly of future meals.

Warm pita together: Warm all pita bread at once on the grill to save time.