Make your own tasty gyros! Via Shutterstock
I’m a sucker for Greek food — all types of food really! Gyros are one of my favorites. What’s not to love about a warm pita filled with meat? I’d go broke if I headed out to lunch every time I was craving a gyro, so when I stumbled on a gyro recipe from The Kitchn I had to give it a try.
Even my sister, who’s a picky eater, has asked me to make them again. The best part is that it takes very little time to make them. I love quick recipes, don’t you? BB recently shared seventeen 15-minute dinners in case you need more inspiration.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this gyro recipe:
For the marinade
1 large chicken breast (about 1/2 pound)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cucumber, diced
Pita bread for serving
Purple onion (optional)
Lemon
Directions
For the marinade, whisk yogurt, olive oil, oregano, and salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside and cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and add to marinade. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least two hours or overnight. I like to get this step done ahead of time so I’m ready to go once it’s time to cook. I usually get this done during the weekend and let it sit in the fridge.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Then add the garlic and oregano, and cook until golden. Add the chicken and cook thoroughly. The Kitchn recipe suggests you wipe the yogurt marinade off the chicken, but I don’t because I think it’s a waste. I just make sure to cook everything well. I do make sure to have a splatter screen on hand because things can get messy.
While the chicken cooks, I dice tomato and cucumber. I prefer to use the Persian cucumber as it doesn’t have seeds. In a bowl I combine the cuc and tomato, and add lemon. I also add pepper to taste. If you’re adding onions this is the time to include them. I’m not an onion fan.
Once the chicken is cooked and cooled a bit, I toss it with the tomato and cucs. The Kitchn recipe includes a recipe for a Greek sauce, but I prefer a more traditional tzatziki sauce on my gyros.
To assemble, warm pitas and pile on the chicken with tomato and cucs. Add the tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Makes 1 to 2 pitas, but you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
That looks delicious! I don’t think the cuke will go over well, but the rest will.
Sauted onions would also be a big hit on this. You can add cinnamon as they cook–it gives it an Eastern Med flair that is really delicious. (Yes, cinnamon works on savory things, not just desserts! 🙂 )
@Jenny @ Frugal Guru Guide I’m going to try the cinnamon next time I make them.
I’ve just recently learned what tzatziki sauce is. I love Greek food as well & will be trying this. I wonder if you could just use plain Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt & skip draining it? That’s all Greek yogurt is anyway but drained plain yogurt.
@Jen Y I’ve used Greek yogurt and it tastes just as good. By the way, here’s a recipe if you want to make your own yogurt: http://bargainbabe.com/cheap-and-tasty-homemade-yogurt-recipe/
I’m a true foodie, and like many different cuisines. I’ve made gyros using leftover chicken breast that was cooked for something else. I always use Greek yogurt, as I like the tartness and consistency. For those who don’t like onions or fresh garlic, both onion powder and garlic powder (or granulated garlic) can be mixed in the yogurt. Just use the amount that appeals to your palate. These kinds of dishes are so easy to adapt to personal choices, and are quick and easy to assemble.
@EllieD Always great to hear your suggestions! Garlic and onion powder would work well with this recipe. I also think the powder can be found for less than the fresh stuff. Plus, it will last longer.