Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

why make this recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option, Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is perfect for you. This recipe not only captures the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine, but it is also quick to prepare and budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner. The meal is kid-approved, ensuring that the whole family will enjoy it. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it a great option for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious home-cooked meal.

how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Step-by-step overview

Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros is a simple three-step process that combines essential ingredients for a wonderful meal. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside.

  2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix minced garlic, lemon juice, diced onion, water, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, allspice, and lemon pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.

  3. Cook: Cover and cook the chicken on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. While the chicken cooks, prepare the Tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, chopped parsley, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks right in the slow cooker, and serve it with warm pocketless pita bread, fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lettuce, and the homemade Tzatziki sauce.

how to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Serve your delicious chicken gyros in warm pocketless pita bread. Add sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and lettuce for a fresh crunch. Don’t forget to drizzle the creamy Tzatziki sauce on top for that extra burst of flavor. This meal is perfect for gatherings, casual family dinners, or even meal prep for lunches throughout the week.

how to store Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Store any leftover chicken gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the Tzatziki sauce separately from the chicken. You can also freeze shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

  • For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker Tzatziki sauce, squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber.
  • Feel free to customize the toppings! Add your favorite veggies or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra tangy taste.

variation

If you’re looking for a variation, try substituting the chicken with boneless pork or turkey. You can also make a vegetarian version using grilled vegetables or chickpeas as the main ingredient.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, ensure that you increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours for thorough cooking.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this in a regular pot on the stovetop. Just simmer the chicken over low heat with the same marinade until fully cooked.

How do I make the Tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the Tzatziki sauce up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It actually tastes better after marinating!

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

A delicious, hassle-free dinner option capturing the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon nonstick cooking spray To spray the slow cooker
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber Squeeze out excess moisture for thicker sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Serving Ingredients
  • 4 pieces pocketless pita bread Warm before serving
  • 1 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1 cup sliced onions
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside.
  2. In a bowl, mix minced garlic, lemon juice, diced onion, water, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, allspice, and lemon pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook the chicken on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours.
  2. While the chicken cooks, prepare the Tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, chopped parsley, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Serving
  1. Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks right in the slow cooker.
  2. Serve it with warm pocketless pita bread, fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lettuce, and the homemade Tzatziki sauce.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before cooking. Customize the toppings with your favorite veggies or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra tangy taste.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating