Greek Chicken Gyros

A Greek Chicken Gyro is a delicious and healthier option for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s full of fresh flavors, lean protein, and can be easily made lighter without sacrificing taste. Here’s a great recipe for a homemade Greek Chicken Gyros that’s perfect for weight loss.

Greek Chicken Gyros (Healthy Version)

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or full-fat depending on preference)
  • 1/2 cucumber, finely grated or diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

• For the Gyro Wrap:

  • Whole wheat pita bread or low-carb tortillas (for a lighter option)
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced red onions
  • Fresh lettuce or mixed greens
  • Sliced cucumber (optional, for extra crunch)
  • Feta cheese (optional, crumbled)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.

2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

   • Grate or finely dice the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out any excess water.
   • In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil for extra richness (optional).
   • Stir to combine, and adjust the seasoning to taste. Chill in the fridge while you cook the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil if necessary.
   • Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using chicken breasts, cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side.
   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

4. Assemble the Gyros:

   • Warm the whole wheat pita or low-carb tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave.
   • Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on each pita.
   • Add the sliced chicken on top, followed by fresh tomatoes, red onions, cucumber slices, and a handful of greens.
   • Optionally, sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for an authentic touch.

5. Serve:

   • Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.
   • You can also wrap the gyro in foil for easier eating on the go.

Tips for a Healthier Gyro:

• Lean protein: Use skinless chicken breast for fewer calories and fat, but chicken thighs add more flavor.
• Skip the extra fats: Keep the tzatziki sauce simple by reducing or omitting any additional oils.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to load your gyro with more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or olives to increase fiber and nutrients.
• Use whole-grain pita: For added fiber and nutrients, whole wheat pita is a great option.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that will help you feel fuller longer.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil in the marinade and tzatziki provides heart-healthy fats.
• Fresh veggies: Tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce are low-calorie, nutrient-dense additions that contribute to weight loss.

These Greek chicken gyros are perfect for meal prepping too! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store the tzatziki sauce in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy!

Let me know if you give this a try or if you want to add your own twist to the recipe!