Chicken Gyros Recipe

What is Chicken Gyros?

Chicken gyros is a traditional Greek dish that is made by marinating and grilling chicken, and then placing it in a warm and soft pita bread. The chicken is usually seasoned with a blend of herbs (see details down below) that giving it a unique and delicious taste. Alongside the juicy and tender chicken, gyros typically includes fresh vegetables like tomatoes and onions, adding a nice crunch and contrasting flavor to the dish. The crowning jewel of the gyro is the tangy tzatziki sauce, a mixture of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.

Eating a gyro is an experience for the senses, the combination of flavors, textures and the warmth of the pita bread make it a perfect meal for any time of the day. It is a popular street food in Greece, and can be found in many food carts and stands. It is also a staple in most Greek restaurants around the world. Gyros are a tasty and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Greece without having to leave your hometown. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as a snack.

In summary, Chicken Gyros is a classic Greek dish that is made with marinated and grilled chicken, fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce wrapped in a warm and soft pita bread. It's a delicious, convenient and satisfying meal that is loved by people of all ages and cultures.

How to Store Chicken Gyros?

Storing chicken gyros properly will ensure that they remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. To do this, wrap the gyros tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. This will help to keep the pita bread fresh and prevent the gyros from drying out.

When storing chicken gyros, it's important to keep the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce separate. The sauce can make the pita bread soggy if left on for too long. If you have leftovers, you can store them together but make sure to reheat the chicken and vegetables in the oven or microwave before adding the tzatziki sauce just before eating.

What to Serve With Chicken Gyros?

Chicken gyros are a tasty and versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. A popular option is to wrap it in a warm Greek tortilla or pocket bread, along with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, making it a convenient sandwich that's perfect for on-the-go meals or a quick lunch.

Another way to serve chicken gyros is by plating them, which is ideal for formal events or dinner parties. To plate chicken gyros, you can slice the chicken and vegetables, and arrange them on a plate, and serve it with tzatziki sauce, pita bread or with a side of crispy potato fries or even a salad.

The key is to find the perfect way to suit your taste and the occasion you are serving it for. Whether you prefer it wrapped or plated, chicken gyros are a delicious meal that will please any palate

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

If you are making your own chicken gyrus at home there is no reason not making your own tzatziki sauce at home.

Homemade Potato Fries

As potato fries a popular addition to gyrus, you can use frozen store-bought French fries or making your fries from scratch at home.

What Spices Do You Use to Make Chicken Gyro?

When making chicken gyros, a variety of spices are commonly used to give it a unique and flavorful taste. These include:

• Oregano: This herb is a staple in Greek cuisine and adds an earthy flavor to the chicken.
• Thyme: Thyme gives depth of flavor to the dish.
• Paprika: Paprika is used to add color and a smoky flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic: Garlic is added to the marinade or sauce for a garlicky flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is added to balance the flavors and add acidity to the marinade.
• Lemon zest: Lemon zest is added to the marinade for a nice citrusy aroma and flavor.
• Coriander Seeds: Coriander seeds are added for a nutty and earthy flavor.
• Cumin: Cumin is added for a warm and smoky flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are added to taste to bring all the flavors together.

These spices can be adjusted to personal taste, but these are commonly used in making chicken gyros.

What Meat Can We Use to Make Gyros?

When making gyros, a traditional Greek dish that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, the most common meat used is pork. However, other meats such as beef, lamb, and chicken can also be used.

• Pork is considered to be the most affordable option, with a good balance of fat and meat which gives it a juicy and flavorful taste.
• Beef is less common but has a stronger flavor, while lamb has a unique and strong flavor.
• Chicken is a more recent addition to the gyros family, it is considered a lighter option and generally cooks faster than the other meats.
• Lamb has a unique and strong flavor that many people (especially tourists) avoid.

Ultimately, the choice of meat will depend on personal preference, budget, and the occasion. Pork is the most affordable, flavorful and juicy option, while beef has a stronger flavor, lamb has a unique flavor, and chicken is a lighter option that is faster to prepare.

What is The Difference Between Gyros and Souvlaki?

Gyros and souvlaki are both traditional Greek dishes, but they have some differences.

Gyros is a dish that is made by cooking meat, typically pork, beef, chicken or lamb, on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and then thinly sliced and served in a warm pita bread with tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce.

Souvlaki, on the other hand, is a dish that is made by skewering meat, typically pork, beef, chicken or lamb, and then grilling it. The meat is also seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and then served on a skewer or wrapped in a pita bread with tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce.

The main difference between the two is the cooking method and presentation. Gyros is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and thinly sliced, while souvlaki is cooked on skewers and presented in a more rustic way, either on a skewer or in a wrap.

What is The Difference Between Gyros and Shawarma?

Gyros and Shawarma are both popular dishes that have similarities, but they also have some significant differences.

Gyros is a traditional Greek dish made by cooking meat, typically pork, chicken, beef or lamb, on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and then thinly sliced and served in a warm pita bread with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.

Shawarma, on the other hand, is a dish that originated in the Middle East, typically made of marinated meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb, cooked on a spit and shaved off as it cooks. The meat is also seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and served in a wrap or pita bread with vegetables and condiments such as hummus, tahini or garlic sauce.

In summary, both dishes feature meat cooked on a spit, but Gyros is a traditional Greek dish, while Shawarma is from Middle Eastern cuisine, and the meat used and the condiments that are served with it are different. Gyros is typically served with tzatziki sauce, while Shawarma is usually served with hummus, tahini or garlic sauce.

Can You Make Chicken Gyro Ahead of Time?

Yes, it is possible to make chicken gyros ahead of time. Preparing the chicken, vegetables and the tzatziki sauce in advance can save you time and make it easier to serve the dish when you are ready to eat. One way to make chicken gyros ahead of time is to marinate the chicken and vegetables in a mixture of herbs and spices, then when ready to serve just grill them. Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, you can serve or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tzatziki sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

However, it's important to note that chicken gyros are at their best when they are freshly grilled and still hot. The flavors and textures are at their peak when the meat is cooked just before serving. The marinade can be done a day ahead to save time but it's best to assemble the dish and serve it immediately after the meat is cooked.