What Are Greek Gyros With Chicken

The traditional gyro is made using minced lamb; however, chicken can be substituted for a healthier option.

A gyro is a Greek pita wrap. Filled with meat, onion and tomato and a cucumber yogurt sauce, it can be likened to a burrito or sandwich. The word gyro actually comes from the process by which the meat is cooked -- on vertical rotisseries before being sliced into thin strips. The roasting allows the meat to retain moisture, while still becoming crispy. There are many variations of the gyro which are found in Greek restaurants and sold via street vendors.

Traditional vs. Chicken

The traditional Greek gyro is made with minced lamb meat. In the United States, other variations are used, such as pork or chicken. Versions containing chicken have less fat, making them a healthier option, and are much milder to taste.

Preparing the Chicken

Chicken gyros are prepared using 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breast. The chicken is cut into 2 1/2 inch strips which are pounded down until they are ¼ inch thick. The chicken is then seasoned using a marinade of two cloves of crushed garlic, 2 tsp. of ground coriander, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. of ground black pepper, in addition to two to three drops of lemon oil. Allowing the chicken to marinate for 24 hours is recommended for optimal flavor.

Traditional Sauce

Chicken gyros are served with a traditional cucumber yogurt sauce, also known as tzatziki. This sauce has a cooling quality and provides a balance for heavily seasoned and spiced meats. Tzatziki sauce is made using 2 cups of plain yogurt, one large peeled and seeded cucumber, two cloves of crushed garlic, 2 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp. of black pepper and ¼ cup fresh mint.

Cooking and Assembling

If made at home home, the seasoned chicken can be cooked in a heavy frying pan that is lightly greased in place of the vertical rotisserie. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked and allowed to brown. Assemble your chicken gyro by lightly brushing a piece of pita bread with olive oil. Top the pita with cooked chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce. You can also add peppers, olives and crumbled feta cheese.

Tags: black pepper, Chicken gyros, cloves crushed, cloves crushed garlic, crushed garlic, cucumber yogurt, cucumber yogurt sauce