Chicken Souvlaki Gyro Recipe

Greek yogurt: A thick and creamy yogurt that adds tanginess to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.

Olive oil: Used in the marinade to add richness and help the chicken stay moist during grilling.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.

Lemon juice: Provides acidity to balance the flavors and tenderize the chicken.

Dried oregano: A key herb in Greek cuisine that adds a distinctive earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the marinade and the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness to the marinade.

Chicken breast: The main protein for the dish, cut into cubes for even grilling.

Pita bread: Soft and chewy flatbread that holds all the delicious fillings.

Tzatziki sauce: A creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce that adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.

Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they add a burst of color and flavor to the gyro.

Red onions: Sliced thinly, they provide a sharp and slightly sweet taste.

Lettuce: Adds a crisp texture and freshness to the gyro.

To ensure your chicken souvlaki is tender and flavorful, make sure to marinate the chicken cubes for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, let them marinate for a few hours or overnight. This allows the yogurt and lemon juice to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and infusing it with the garlic, oregano, and other spices. Additionally, when grilling, avoid overcrowding the skewers to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides.

• greek yogurt - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in marinades.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a comparable earthy flavor that can complement the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used as a direct substitute.

• chicken breast - Substitute with pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is lean and can be cubed and marinated similarly to chicken breast.

• pita bread - Substitute with naan bread: Naan bread has a similar texture and can be used to wrap the gyro fillings.

• tzatziki sauce - Substitute with hummus: Hummus provides a creamy texture and can add a different but complementary flavor.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• sliced red onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor and can be sliced thinly for a similar texture.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach provides a similar fresh crunch and adds a nutritional boost.

• Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chicken cubes into an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the tzatziki sauce in a separate airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from mixing with other ingredients.

• Place the sliced tomatoes, red onions, and shredded lettuce in individual zip-lock bags or containers. This ensures that each ingredient maintains its texture and flavor.

• For the pita bread, wrap each piece in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it soft and prevent it from drying out.

• Store all components in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days.

• To freeze the grilled chicken, place the cooled cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the chicken pieces from sticking together.

• The tzatziki sauce can also be frozen, but note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

• Tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce are best stored fresh and should not be frozen, as they can become mushy upon thawing.

• To freeze pita bread, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This double-layer protection helps maintain their softness.

• When ready to use, thaw the grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheat the grilled chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

• Warm the pita bread in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil or on a skillet until soft and pliable.

• Assemble your gyros with the fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce for a delicious meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the chicken souvlaki in aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  3. Place the wrapped chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
  4. For the pita bread, wrap it in foil and place it in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the chicken's reheating time.
  5. Reassemble your gyro with fresh tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken souvlaki in the skillet and cover with a lid to retain moisture.
  4. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.
  5. Warm the pita bread in another skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
  6. Reassemble your gyro with fresh tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken souvlaki on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
  4. Warm the pita bread by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 20-30 seconds.
  5. Reassemble your gyro with fresh tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken souvlaki in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Warm the pita bread in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes.
  5. Reassemble your gyro with fresh tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper for the marinade.

• Whisk: This will help you mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly.

• Knife: Essential for mincing the garlic and cutting the chicken breast into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken and vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the greek yogurt and tzatziki sauce.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you accurately measure the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken skewers and warming the pita bread.

• Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto these for grilling.

• Tongs: Use these to turn the chicken skewers on the grill and to handle the pita bread.

• Serving platter: Place the grilled chicken skewers on this once they are cooked.

• Plate: Use this to assemble the gyros with the pita bread, grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.

• Spatula: Handy for spreading the tzatziki sauce on the pita bread.

• Basting brush: Optional, but can be used to brush olive oil on the pita bread before warming it on the grill.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the marinade and chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Pre-slice vegetables: Slice the tomatoes, red onions, and shred the lettuce ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use store-bought tzatziki: Opt for pre-made tzatziki sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Double the recipe: Make extra chicken souvlaki and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later.

Warm pita in the oven: Heat multiple pita breads at once in the oven instead of grilling them individually.