Gyros are an interesting Mediterranean sandwich. They are full of flavor and spice, tangy and tender. Usually a gyro is made with a combination of beef and lamb cooked on a spit. It is sliced thin and placed in a pita or flatbread pita. Top it with tzatziki sauce (a garlic, cucumber, yogurt sauce), cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Wrap it in a piece of foil to not lose as any of the goodness. This version is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It has much of the same flavor and taste in a healthier version. Options to marinate it for 30 minutes or more before cooking. I made it in a crockpot but you can grill it, sauté it or instant pot it as well.
Vegetarian Options:
Replace the chicken with strips of grilled or sautéd bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, spinach, onions and/other root vegetables. They can be marinated with the spices below and either Greek yogurt or olive oil. You can also cook them in the Crockpot or Instant Pot (3-4 minutes- release naturally) as well.
Another option is to toss the pepper and mushroom strips with oil and seasoning. Spread the sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes at 400 degrees
You can also add extra hummus and chunks of feta cheese is you wish. Assemble the gyro as below. Delicious!
Ingredients:
4 boneless chicken breasts (Vegetarian Options above)
2 sweet onions sliced
8 tablespoons garlic powder or 3-4 cloves crushed fresh garlic
4 tablespoons oregano
3 tablespoons cumin
a few dashes of marjoram
1 tablespoon dill
2 fresh rosemary stems
Juice of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
4 turns of the salt grinder (1/2 tsp or so)
4 turns of the pepper grinder (1/2 tsp or so)
Optional: Hummus, Hot Sauce
Crockpot Instructions:
Place all the ingredients into the crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours (check temperature at 3 hours-165 degrees). Slice into small pieces or shred with two forks.
Place under the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the top if desired. (Recommended)
Instant Pot Instructions:
Place all the ingredients into the Instant Pot. Cook on the Poultry setting (15 minutes, I often add more time depending on the size of the breast-up to 30 minutes)Allow it to naturally release. When finished, check the temperature of the breasts -165 degrees. Slice into small pieces or shred with two forks.
Place under the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the top if desired. (Recommended)
Marinate and Grill:
Place all ingredients into a ziplock bag or covered container. You can also add plain Greek yogurt (8oz) into the marinade or extra lemon. Marinate for 30 minutes to overnight. Oil your grill and grill until finished (165 degrees).
Sandwich Ingredients and Assembly:
Pita bread or flatbread (I prefer pocketless pita flatbread)
Cucumbers slices
Tomato slices
Onion slices
Tzatziki sauce (store bought -I prefer Cedars or homemade, there are tons of easy recipes you can find online).
Hot sauce
Chicken Breast (slice it thick, chunks or shredded-your choice) or Vegetarian Options
Foil or wax paper
Lay the bread on a piece of foil or wax paper. Add some tzatziki, hummus and layer the rest of the ingredients on top along with additional tzatziki and a few dashes of hot sauce – if desired. Fold and close the foil. Eat from the top and enjoy!
