Chicken Gyros
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
1 hr 45 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 53 mins
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Servings
4 -6 gyros
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Calories
457 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Chicken Gyros
Description
Chicken Gyros begins with a tzatziki sauce crafted by straining plain yogurt to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy texture. This yogurt is mixed with shredded, well-drained cucumber, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, then chilled to blend the flavors. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper for about an hour, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with Mediterranean flavors.
The marinated chicken is cooked until done, then assembled in soft wrap bread (like pita) along with fresh tomato and thinly sliced red onion. The combination offers a flavorful balance of savory, tangy, and fresh elements with the creamy tzatziki enhancing the texture and moisture.
Plan ahead to accommodate the required yogurt straining, which may take several hours or overnight, and allow time for marinating the chicken. These steps are crucial for the dish's distinct flavors and proper consistency. The assembled gyros make a satisfying meal with vibrant flavors and refreshing sauce.
Ingredients
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 16 oz. PLAIN yogurt not fat free unless it is Oikos or Fage or another Greek-type yogurt
- ½ cucumber peeled and seeded (I used 1/2 of an English cucumber, hothouse or regular
- 2-3 cloves garlic pressed through a garlic press (or finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- salt
- black pepper
- lemon juice fresh, squeeze of
- extra virgin olive oil
For the chicken:
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- lemon juice of 1
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 PLAIN yogurt heaping tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 ¼ pounds chicken breast boneless skinless, cubed
To assemble:
- soft wrap bread or pita bread
- tomato seeded and diced, fresh
- red onion sliced thin
Instructions
- To make the tzatziki sauce, strain the yogurt using cheesecloth over a bowl. Let strain for several hours or overnight, if possible, to remove as much moisture as possible. (You won’t believe how much liquid drains from the yogurt – it makes the yogurt much thicker and creamier. If you want to splurge on Greek yogurt, like Oikos or Fage, you won’t need to strain it like this.)
- Shred the cucumber. Wrap in a towel a squeeze to remove as much water as possible. Mix together the strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and lemon juice. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- To prepare the chicken, combine the garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Whisk together until mixed well. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Cook the chicken as desired, either in the skillet or with the broiler. (I sauted them in a hot skillet.) Once the chicken is completely cooked through, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat pitas. Top with chicken, tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes and sliced onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Strain the yogurt overnight or several hours to remove moisture for thick, creamy tzatziki.
- Marinate the chicken for about 1 hour to develop flavor and tenderness.
- Plan ahead to accommodate yogurt straining and chicken marinating times.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 gyros
Amount Per Serving
Calories 457 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Gyro | |
| Calories | 457kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 122mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 158mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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