Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Gyros
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Additional Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
5
-
Calories
186 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Greek
Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Gyros
Description
Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Gyros focus on marinated chicken tenderloin or boneless meat, infused with a yogurt-based marinade containing garlic, lemon, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning. The chicken is sliced thinly, allowing for quick cooking either on the skillet or baked in the oven, providing moist and flavorful strips that maintain tenderness. The yogurt marinade helps tenderize the meat while imparting a mild tanginess.
The finished chicken strips are meant to be assembled in pita or naan bread, complemented by optional additions such as tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables like tomato and cucumber, and feta cheese. These toppings add freshness and contrasting textures to the savory chicken. The recipe also suggests including French fries for a more filling meal.
Several preparation variations are available, including gluten-free options by using gluten-free pita and dairy-free choices with suitable yogurt substitutes. Cooking methods also include optional grilling. Proper marinating time enhances flavor, and the chicken should be cooked just until done to preserve tenderness. This gyro dish is flexible and can be customized to individual tastes and dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. chicken tenderloin or boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for skillet method)
Chicken Marinade:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt full fat, 2%, nonfat, plain, 120g
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon squeezed
- 1.5 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional for Serving:
- pita bread I like using mini Naan’s, or low carb flatbread
- tzatziki store-bought or click for recipe
- tomato or thinly sliced red onions, lettuce, and tomatoes, for salad
- feta cheese
- cucumber
- French Fries I like Alexia, thin cut
Instructions
- Mix together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Cut chicken tenderloins in half lengthwise to make thin strips then add to the marinade. Toss well to coat then cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours).
- Meanwhile, go ahead and prepare vegetables and fries if using.
- Two Cooking Method Options:Skillet (10 minutes) - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shiny, add the chicken strips with space in between them (cook in batches if you need) and cover with a lid. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Then, flip and cook on the other side for 2-3 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Reduce heat as needed if chicken is browning too quickly.Oven (30 minutes) - Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and place tenders (with the marinade) in the dish. Bake at 375F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Assemble! Warm up some pita or naan bread. Spread Tzatziki sauce on top, then add the chicken and top with any toppings you choose! Sliced red onions, lettuce, tomato, fries, etc and enjoy!
Notes
- Use gluten-free pita for a gluten-free gyro option.
- Dairy-free Greek yogurt can substitute regular yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Chicken can be cooked using skillet, oven, or grill methods according to preference.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours to enrich flavor and tenderness.
- One serving of chicken (about 96g) is sufficient for a regular gyro or two mini gyros using mini naan bread.
- Serve with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, or red onion and tzatziki for traditional toppings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 186 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/5 of batch (96g) | |
| Calories | 186kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.