Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Delight in a taste of the Mediterranean with these delicious Chicken Gyros, featuring tender, marinated chicken breast strips grilled to perfection, nestled within warm pita bread. Each bite is elevated by a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, infused with fresh dill and garlic, and can be customized with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. This easy-to-make lunch is perfect for any day, whether you're cooking indoors or outside on the grill. Enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal that's satisfying and nutritious!
2
Servings
280
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Extra virgin)
Garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon (Divided)
Ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 lb (Cut into 1/2 inch strips)
Cucumber
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Nonfat or low-fat yogurt
1/3 cup (Plain)
Dill weed
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Gyro or pita bread
2 (For serving)
Red onion
1/2 small (Thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine lemon juice, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, ground mustard, and dried oregano to create a marinade.
2
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, seal the bag, and gently massage the chicken to ensure it's evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or longer for better flavor).
3
While the chicken marinates, prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce by mixing together the chopped cucumber, plain yogurt, dill weed, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
4
After marinating, drain the chicken, discarding the marinade. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken for 7-8 minutes, or until cooked through and the juices run clear.
5
To assemble the gyros, spoon half of the cooked chicken onto each pita bread. Generously top with the cucumber yogurt sauce and sliced red onion.
6
Optionally, add crispy lettuce and diced tomatoes for an extra crunch. Fold the pita in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your Mediterranean meal!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
24g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce recipe?
It is a nutritious meal featuring tender marinated chicken breast strips served in warm pita bread with a fresh cucumber yogurt sauce.
How many calories are in one serving of these chicken gyros?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What are the ingredients for the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground mustard, and dried oregano.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or longer for better flavor, in the refrigerator.
How do I make the cucumber yogurt sauce?
Mix chopped cucumber, plain yogurt, dill weed, and minced garlic in a small bowl, then season with salt and pepper.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1/2 inch strips is recommended.
What type of yogurt should I use for the sauce?
You can use either nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 24g of protein.
What are the suggested toppings for these gyros?
Recommended toppings include thinly sliced red onion, crisp lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed for about 7-8 minutes or until cooked through and juices run clear.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9g of fat in one serving of this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
One serving contains 27.5g of carbohydrates.
Is there any fiber in the recipe?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 1.5g of fiber.
Do I need to cook the chicken on a grill?
You can cook it in a large nonstick skillet on the stove or outdoors on a grill.
Should I keep the marinade after use?
No, you should drain the chicken and discard the marinade before cooking.
What kind of oil should be used?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the marinade.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be minced and divided between the marinade and the sauce.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the serving size for the cucumber?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped cucumber for the yogurt sauce.
Is the cucumber yogurt sauce served warm or cold?
The sauce should be covered and refrigerated until serving so it is cold.
How do I assemble the gyros?
Spoon half the chicken onto a pita, top with the yogurt sauce and red onion, then fold and serve.
What bread is best for this recipe?
You can use either gyro bread or standard pita bread.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutritious, and easy-to-make lunch recipe.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses dried oregano, ground mustard, and dried dill weed.
How should I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be thinly sliced for the best results.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Use a medium-high heat setting to sauté the chicken.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Aside from the marinating time, the cooking and assembly take less than 15 minutes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe calls for breast, thighs can be substituted, though it may change the nutritional values.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Mediterranean, healthy lunch, and easy chicken recipes.