Shredded Chicken Gyros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shredded Chicken Gyros recipe is a perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken with the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables and the smoothness of homemade tzatziki. The seasoning is rich and savory, with a touch of garlic and lemon that brightens the entire dish. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal meal for busy days or when you’re craving Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 pita bread or flatbreads

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup cucumber, finely grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.

6. Warm the pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.

7. Assemble the gyros by placing a generous amount of shredded chicken on each pita. Top with cucumber, tomato, and red onion.

8. Drizzle with the tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

9. Roll up the pita around the fillings, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking the chicken and assembling the gyros.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Gyros: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

• Vegetarian Gyros: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers, seasoned with the same marinade.

• Grilled Chicken Gyros: For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over direct heat for a few minutes on each side instead of pan-searing it.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. If necessary, warm the pita bread in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the gyros. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts.

2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. The flavors will even improve as it sits in the fridge.

3. Can I freeze the leftover chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

4. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

While homemade tzatziki is ideal, you can use store-bought as a time-saver. Just make sure to choose one with a good flavor.

5. Can I add other toppings to the gyros?

Yes! Feel free to add lettuce, olives, feta cheese, or even pickled red onions for extra flavor and texture.

6. Can I make the chicken spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade to give the chicken an extra kick.

7. Can I serve this as a salad instead of in a pita?

Yes, you can turn this into a salad by serving the shredded chicken and toppings over a bed of greens instead of using pita.

8. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, but you can use regular yogurt in the tzatziki if needed. Just make sure to drain it well to remove excess liquid.

9. How do I prevent the pita from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy pita, make sure not to overfill the gyros and serve them immediately after assembling. You can also warm the pita in a dry skillet to make it more sturdy.

10. Can I use a different sauce besides tzatziki?

Yes, you can try a garlic sauce, tahini, or even hummus for a different twist on your gyros.

Conclusion

Shredded Chicken Gyros are a quick and flavorful twist on a classic Greek dish, with tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki wrapped in a warm pita. It’s a customizable meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a fun family dinner. The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and tangy sauce makes every bite a delicious treat. With minimal effort, you can bring Mediterranean flavors right into your kitchen!

Shredded Chicken Gyros

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Shredded Chicken Gyros are a quick and flavorful twist on the classic Greek gyro, featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in a warm pita.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling/Pan-frying
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs)
   
   2 tbsp olive oil
   
   1 tbsp lemon juice
   
   2 tsp dried oregano
   
   1 tsp garlic powder
   
   1/2 tsp ground cumin
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   4 pita bread or flatbreads
   
   1 cucumber, thinly sliced
   
   1 tomato, diced
   
   1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
   
   Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
   
   For Tzatziki Sauce:
   1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
   
   1/4 cup cucumber, finely grated
   
   1 tbsp lemon juice
   
   1 clove garlic, minced
   
   1 tbsp olive oil
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

1. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Warm the pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the gyros by placing a generous amount of shredded chicken on each pita. Top with cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
7. Drizzle with the tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Roll up the pita around the fillings, and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• If you prefer grilled chicken, cook the chicken over direct heat for a smoky flavor.
• You can make the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days in advance to save time.
• Feel free to add toppings like lettuce, olives, feta cheese, or pickled red onions for added flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 gyro
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg