Looking for a quick meal that’s packed with flavor? You’ll love these Easy Greek Chicken Gyro Wraps! I’ll guide you through a simple recipe that includes marinating juicy chicken, making your own tzatziki sauce, and wrapping it all in warm pita. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep, this dish brings the taste of Greece right to your kitchen. Let’s get started on this tasty adventure!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyro Wraps
Gather these key items for your gyros:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– 4 large pita breads or wrap bread
– 1 cup creamy tzatziki sauce
– 1 cup romaine lettuce, finely shredded
– 1 medium ripe tomato, diced
– ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
– ¼ red onion, finely sliced
These ingredients blend to create a fresh and tasty meal.
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
To boost taste and texture, consider adding:
– Feta cheese, crumbled
– Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
These extras make your gyros even more special.
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
You can also whip up a simple tzatziki sauce with:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 medium cucumber, grated
– 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki adds a creamy, tangy kick to your wraps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Next, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the bowl. Stir well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the chicken soak up all the great flavors.
Cooking the Chicken
After marinating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Preparing the Pita Breads
Next, warm the pita breads. Take a dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Place the pita breads in the skillet for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You want them to be soft and pliable. This makes it easier to fold the gyros later.
Assembling the Gyros
Now it’s time to put everything together. Take a warm pita and spread a good amount of tzatziki sauce in the center. Next, layer the cooked chicken on top. Add a handful of shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for extra taste.
Wrapping and Serving
To wrap the gyro, fold the pita in half, enclosing all the yummy filling. To make serving easier, wrap the open end with parchment paper or foil. This keeps the gyro intact. Serve your Greek chicken gyros right away for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal!
Tips & Tricks
Best Marinating Practices
To make the chicken tasty, marinate it well. Use a medium bowl to mix:
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Add the sliced chicken and coat it well. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. If you can marinate longer, like 2 hours or overnight, that’s even better.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken
When cooking chicken, heat your skillet first on medium-high. This step helps brown the chicken. Add the marinated slices in one layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Turn the chicken often to cook evenly. Look for a golden brown color and ensure it is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should reach 165°F for safety.
Pita Bread Preparation Tips
Warm pita bread to make it soft and easy to fold. Use a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each pita for 1-2 minutes on both sides. This step makes your wraps more enjoyable. Soft pitas will hold the filling better. If you like, you can also toast the pita for a crispy touch.
Variations
Vegetarian or Vegan Gyro Options
If you want to make a vegetarian gyro, use grilled vegetables. Try zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. You can also use marinated tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese and tzatziki. Instead, blend cashews with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a creamy spread.
Alternative Protein Suggestions
Chicken is great, but other proteins work well too. You can swap chicken for lamb or beef if you prefer red meat. Shrimp is another tasty choice; just grill it quickly for a light meal. For a plant-based option, consider chickpeas. Roasted chickpeas add a nice crunch and flavor.
Common Ingredient Swaps
You can easily swap ingredients to match your taste. Instead of romaine lettuce, use spinach or arugula for a peppery kick. If you don’t have fresh dill, parsley or mint will add a fresh flavor. Switch out the tomato for roasted red peppers for a sweet touch. You can even use whole wheat pita for more fiber.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
Store your leftover chicken gyros in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. If you have extra tzatziki sauce, store that separately. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing smells.
Freezing Chicken Gyros
You can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as you can. It lasts about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Do not freeze the assembled gyros, as the pita will become soggy.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. This keeps it juicy. You can also microwave it for about 1 minute, but watch it closely. If you have leftover pita bread, warm it in a dry skillet for a minute on each side. This way, it stays soft and tasty. Enjoy your gyros fresh and hot!
FAQs
What can I serve with Greek Chicken Gyros?
You can serve Greek chicken gyros with a few tasty sides. I love pairing them with a fresh Greek salad. A simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta works great. You can also add crispy roasted potatoes or a side of hummus with pita chips. These sides keep the meal light and flavorful.
Can I make these gyros ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of the gyros ahead of time. Marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Warm it up when you are ready to assemble the gyros. You can also slice the veggies in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container.
How do I make tzatziki sauce from scratch?
Making tzatziki sauce is easy! You need just a few ingredients. Combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 grated cucumber, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
Are there gluten-free options for pita bread?
Yes, there are gluten-free pita bread options available. Look for brands that make gluten-free wraps or pita. You can also use lettuce leaves instead of bread for a lighter option. This way, you still get the same great flavors without gluten.
Greek chicken gyros are tasty and easy to make. We covered the main and optional ingredients, along with tzatziki sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and wrapping the gyros. Tips helped ensure perfect chicken and pita preparation. Variations allow for vegetarian options and ingredient swaps. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating tips to enjoy gyros later.
Now you can create your own delicious Greek chicken gyros. Enjoy the process and share this tasty dish with others!
