Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Description:

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki features marinated, grilled chicken wrapped in a soft pita with crisp vegetables and a refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is a delightful option for lunch or dinner and offers a mix of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients (Quantities):

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken breast: 1 lb (about 2-3 breasts, cut into strips)
• Greek yogurt: ¼ cup
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper: to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt: 1 cup
• Cucumber: ½ (grated and excess moisture squeezed out)
• Garlic: 1 clove (minced)
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon (chopped)
• Salt: to taste
• Olive oil: 1 teaspoon (optional for a richer flavor)

For the Gyros:

• Pita bread: 4 (or flatbreads)
• Tomato: 1 (sliced)
• Red onion: ½ (thinly sliced)
• Lettuce: shredded
• Feta cheese: ¼ cup (crumbled, optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• Chopped Kalamata olives: for added flavor
• Cucumber slices: for extra crunch

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and salt. Drizzle with olive oil if desired and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, then cook the marinated chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely browned.

4. Assemble the Gyros:

• Warm the pita bread in a skillet or oven. Add a few pieces of grilled chicken to each pita, then top with tomato slices, red onion, lettuce, and a sprinkle of feta cheese if using.
• Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the filling.

5. Serve:

• Fold each gyro and serve with extra tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately.

Tips for Success:

• Marinate for flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
• Prep tzatziki in advance: Making the tzatziki ahead lets the flavors meld.
• Warm pita: Warming the pita or flatbread makes it easier to fold and adds a delicious softness.

Recommendations:

• Serve with a side of Greek salad or seasoned fries for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken and tzatziki can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg

Enjoy this fresh and delicious Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s sure to satisfy!