Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-herb Marinade

Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-Herb Marinade are a delightful twist on traditional gyros, making them perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or an easy meal prep option. This recipe combines juicy marinated chicken with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas. The vibrant flavors from the lemon and herbs create a dish that is not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these gyros in no time.
• Flavorful Marinade: The lemon-herb marinade infuses the chicken with incredible taste, elevating your meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive gathering, these gyros are sure to impress.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-Herb Marinade successfully, having the right tools makes all the difference. Prepare your kitchen with the essential equipment listed below.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Grater
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or grill pan: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while achieving a nice sear.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for marinating the chicken and combining ingredients for the tzatziki sauce.
• Whisk: Helps to blend your marinade smoothly, ensuring all flavors are well incorporated.
• Grater: Perfect for preparing the cucumber for your tzatziki sauce without any hassle.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-Herb Marinade

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates:
– In a medium bowl, combine grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
– Gently stir to mix all ingredients well.
– Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade:
– Add it to the hot skillet.
– Cook while stirring occasionally until thoroughly cooked and lightly browned (about 6-8 minutes).

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

Warm the tortillas according to package directions:
– Use a dry skillet or microwave for best results.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

To assemble:
– Spread tzatziki sauce generously on each tortilla.
– Add cooked chicken strips along with red onion slices and halved cherry tomatoes.
– If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

Step 6: Serve

Fold the tortillas in half or wrap them like a burrito. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-herb Marinade

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-herb Marinade is a delightful dish that brings fresh flavors to your table. Served in warm tortillas, these gyros are perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Use Fresh Vegetables

• Include lettuce, bell peppers, or spinach for added crunch and freshness.

Add Some Heat

• Offer sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Serve with Extra Tzatziki

• A side of tzatziki allows guests to add more sauce as they please, enhancing the flavor.

Include Pita Bread

• Serve alongside warm pita bread for an alternative way to enjoy the chicken and toppings.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top the gyros with fresh parsley or mint to elevate the presentation and taste.

Pair with Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-herb Marinade

To achieve the best results with your Greek Chicken Gyros, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, ensuring a memorable dish.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours deepens the flavor profile.

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil can significantly enhance the taste of your marinade.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the marinade before adding chicken; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.

• Cook Over Medium-High Heat: This helps achieve a nice char on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.

• Warm Tortillas Properly: Ensure tortillas are warmed just enough so they’re pliable but not too hot, preventing tearing when assembling gyros.

• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Add roasted vegetables or hummus for unique twists on your gyros.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-herb Marinade

Complement your Greek Chicken Gyros with these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly and enhance your meal’s overall appeal.

1. Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil makes a refreshing side.

2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with oregano and lemon provide a hearty balance.

3. Tabbouleh: This refreshing parsley salad with bulgur wheat adds lightness and a burst of flavor.

4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers grilled until tender offer smoky notes.

5. Olive Tapenade: This rich spread made from olives pairs beautifully on pita bread or alongside gyros.

6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, and lemon dressing promotes healthiness.

7. Hummus Platter: Serve creamy hummus with warm pita chips for dipping—perfect for sharing!

8. Feta Dip: A whipped feta dip served with crudités provides a creamy texture that complements the gyros wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the Marination Time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough will result in less flavorful meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes but preferably up to 2 hours for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dryness. Monitor cooking time closely, aiming for about 6-8 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Neglecting Tzatziki Preparation: Tzatziki sauce benefits from some resting time. Make it ahead of time so flavors meld beautifully—at least 30 minutes is ideal.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Warm tortillas enhance the overall experience. Always heat them before assembling your gyros to ensure they’re soft and pliable.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and vegetables elevates your gyros. Opt for fresh dill and ripe tomatoes instead of dried or canned options whenever possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-herb Marinade

• Freeze marinated chicken before cooking for up to 3 months.
• Cooked gyros can also be frozen; wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

Reheating Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-herb Marinade

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap gyros in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot, checking often.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and warm the gyros for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade.

What is the best way to marinate chicken?

Marinating chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano ensures it absorbs flavors deeply. For best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Can I customize my Greek Chicken Gyros?

Absolutely! You can add additional toppings such as lettuce, olives, or different cheeses according to your preference.

How do I make a vegan version of Greek Chicken Gyros?

Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas dressed with lemon-herb marinade. Use vegan yogurt for tzatziki.

What should I serve with Greek Chicken Gyros?

Consider serving alongside a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s vibrant and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade offer a delightful balance of flavors that are sure to impress. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on personal taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at gatherings, give this recipe a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-Herb Marinade

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Enjoy a delicious and refreshing take on a classic favorite with Greek Chicken Gyros With Lemon-Herb Marinade. This recipe features juicy marinated chicken strips infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, complemented by a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in warm tortillas, these gyros make for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings. The combination of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures ensures every bite is a delight, making it a must-try for fans of Mediterranean cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes).
4. Heat tortillas according to package instructions.
5. Spread tzatziki on each tortilla, add chicken strips, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Optionally top with crumbled feta cheese.
6. Fold or wrap the tortillas and enjoy immediately.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 gyro (approx. 210g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg