Greek Chicken Gyros recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a traditional Greek gyro made of? ›

A traditional Greek gyro is a delicious Greek dish made from thinly sliced meat baked on a vertical spit and served with a tangy sauce called tzatziki. It is most commonly made with lamb, but beef and pork are also available. In Greece, gyros are a popular meal choice.

A Greek Gyro, or simply “Gyro,” is a popular Greek 🇬🇷 dish made of seasoned meat (often beef, lamb, pork, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then thinly sliced and served wrapped in warm pita bread, with toppings such as tomato 🍅, onion, and tzatziki sauce – a creamy yogurt and cucumber sauce.

Here's how to tell the difference: Souvlaki is marinated pork, chicken, beef, or lamb grilled on a skewer. It's typically served on a skewer, but you can also eat it in a warm pita or over salad. Gyros are made with stacked meat (usually pork, but other meats are common) that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

The Mediterranean diet — which includes many Greek dishes — is known as the healthiest way of eating. These simple-to-make pork and chicken gyros fit into the Mediterranean diet, delivering both heart and brain health benefits.

Following World War II, Gyros made with lamb (called as döner kebab by some restaurants) was present in Athens. It was likely introduced by immigrants from Anatolia and the Middle East. The Greek version is normally made with pork and served with tzatziki, and became known as gyros.

Thinly slice the cooked gyro meat loaf. Spread 1 tablespoon hummus onto each pita bread. Then top each with some of the gyro meat slices, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, feta cheese crumbles, and 2 tablespoons tzatziki sauce to complete each sandwich.

Traditional gyro meat combines beef and lamb, which can be higher in fat, particularly saturated fat. For a leaner option, chicken or turkey gyro can be chosen. These poultry choices offer a lower fat content, making them a healthier alternative without compromising taste.

According to estimates, gyros didn't make their way there until the 1920s. Though popular in the U.S., lamb gyros are hardly consumed at all in Greece. As one traveler discovered, the Greeks are much more likely to eat their gyros with pork and sometimes chicken.

Search for garlic shrimp souvlaki, gyro plate or even falafel plate; decide on food varieties with sound fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds; make sure to arrange bunches of products of the soil; and go for lean meat, turkey, chicken or fish.

Gyros are most often made with lamb meat, which is relatively low in calories and contains abundant protein. Consuming lamb also provides you with some vitamins and minerals, but its healthy profile is tempered by higher fat and cholesterol numbers.

What do you serve with chicken gyros? ›

Greek gyros are served in a pita, stuffed with tomato, red onion, a few French fries, and a healthy dose of tzatziki (a Greek sauce or dip made with yogurt and cucumbers). In the U.S., lettuce is sometimes added to the mix, and the addition of French fries is usually only found on the side.

Beef flank steak: While traditional gyros are made with lamb, beef is a wonderful, crowd-pleasing alternative. Flank steak is widely available and budget-friendly. If desired, swap in skirt steak, hanger steak, or flat iron steak.

Arby's gyro meat is made from a blend of seasoned beef and lamb, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. The meat is thinly sliced and served in a warm, soft pita bread, accompanied by fresh vegetables and a creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek experience.

2) It Offers Many Vitamins and Minerals

Plus, so many vitamins and minerals make gyro meat a healthy dish that is capable of maintaining the body's energy. This contributes to synthesizing several hormones, energy-generating enzymes, and red blood cells.