Chicken Souvlaki Gyro Recipe

Greek yogurt: A thick and creamy yogurt that forms the base of the marinade.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to tenderize the chicken.

Garlic: Provides a robust flavor to the marinade.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness to the marinade.

Oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine that adds earthy notes.

Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into cubes for easy grilling.

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

Tzatziki sauce: A creamy, tangy sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.

Tomato: Adds freshness and juiciness to the gyro.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, crunchy contrast to the other ingredients.

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

When marinating the chicken, ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the yogurt mixture. The yogurt not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. For the best results, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy when grilled.

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

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and can provide a comparable tangy flavor.

• oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor that can complement the dish well.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and can be used in the same way.

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

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

• tomato - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper provides a similar crunch and sweetness.

• red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onion can provide a similar flavor, though it is slightly milder.

• lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a similar fresh and crunchy texture.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Transfer the grilled chicken into an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place parchment paper between them to avoid sticking.
• Store the tzatziki sauce in a separate airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from soaking into other ingredients.
• Place the diced tomato, sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce in individual zip-lock bags or containers to keep them crisp.
• Wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil or place it in a zip-lock bag to keep it soft. You can also use parchment paper to separate each piece.
• Store all components in the refrigerator. The chicken and tzatziki sauce can be kept for up to 3-4 days, while the vegetables should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
• For freezing, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Freeze the pita bread separately by wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. This will keep them fresh for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the chicken and pita bread in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Warm the pita bread on a grill or in a skillet for a minute on each side to restore its softness.
• Assemble the gyro with the reheated chicken, fresh tzatziki sauce, and crisp vegetables for a delicious meal.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the chicken souvlaki in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• To reheat the pita bread, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm it in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side.
• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• For the tzatziki sauce, it's best served cold. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
• To reassemble, place the reheated chicken on the warmed pita bread, add fresh tomato, red onion, and lettuce. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and enjoy your delicious leftover chicken souvlaki gyro.

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

• Refrigerator: Essential for marinating the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together.

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

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

• Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Use this to cube the chicken breast and to dice the tomato and slice the red onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken, tomato, and red onion.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients for the marinade and other components.

• Serving platter: Arrange the grilled chicken, pita bread, and other ingredients on this for easy assembly.

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

• Plate: Serve the assembled gyro on this for a neat presentation.

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

Pre-chop vegetables: Dice the tomato, slice the red onion, and shred the lettuce ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

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

Batch grill chicken: Grill extra chicken and store leftovers for quick assembly of future meals.

Warm pita in oven: Heat multiple pita bread at once in the oven instead of individually on the grill.