Greek Chicken Gyros: A Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe

Introduction

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with our Weight Watchers-friendly Greek Chicken Gyros. This recipe captures the essence of traditional gyros with a healthier twist, making it a delicious and smart choice for those following a WW (Weight Watchers) plan. Using lean chicken breast and a homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe offers a low-point meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, providing detailed instructions, nutritional information, and tips to help you make the perfect Greek Chicken Gyros.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast – 0 SmartPoints
  • 3 tablespoons plain non-fat Greek yogurt – 0 SmartPoints
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice – 0 SmartPoints
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1 SmartPoint
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika – 0 SmartPoints
  • Salt and pepper to taste – 0 SmartPoints

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – 0 SmartPoints
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped – 0 SmartPoints
  • Salt and pepper to taste – 0 SmartPoints

For the Gyros:

  • 4 whole wheat pita breads (approximately 6 inches each) – 3 SmartPoints each
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced – 0 SmartPoints
  • 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives – 1 SmartPoint
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese – 1 SmartPoint

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For stovetop cooking, heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the surface with a small amount of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill or cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Rest and Slice the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, mimicking the traditional gyros style.
  6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  7. Warm the Pita Breads: Warm the whole wheat pita breads in the oven or on a dry skillet until they are pliable and slightly toasted. This step enhances their flavor and texture.
  8. Assemble the Gyros: Place a warm pita bread on a serving plate. Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce over the center of the pita. Add a handful of shredded lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
  9. Top with Chicken and Garnishes: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the vegetables. Garnish with sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Add an extra dollop of tzatziki sauce if desired.
  10. Serve Immediately: Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap, or serve open-faced with additional tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately while the pita is warm and the flavors are fresh.

Nutritional Information and WW Points

Per Gyro (assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 8 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2 grams
  • Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
  • Sodium: 500 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 5 grams
  • Sugars: 6 grams
  • Protein: 26 grams

WW SmartPoints:

  • Chicken Breast: 0 SmartPoints
  • Greek Yogurt (for marinade and tzatziki): 0 SmartPoints
  • Olive Oil: 1 SmartPoint per tablespoon
  • Whole Wheat Pita Bread: 3 SmartPoints per pita
  • Kalamata Olives: 1 SmartPoint per 1/4 cup
  • Feta Cheese: 1 SmartPoint per tablespoon
  • Total WW SmartPoints per Gyro: 6 SmartPoints

Useful Tips and Variations

  1. Lower the Points Further: To reduce the points, consider using a low-calorie pita bread or a smaller amount of feta cheese. You can also use less olive oil or skip it entirely if you prefer.
  2. Grill Pan Option: If you don’t have access to a grill, a grill pan or even a regular non-stick skillet works well. Ensure it’s well-heated and lightly oiled for the best results.
  3. Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber slices or bell peppers to the gyros for additional crunch and flavor without significantly increasing the points.
  4. Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance to save time. Store the marinated chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook and assemble.
  5. Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling your gyros. The tzatziki sauce should be used fresh for the best texture and flavor.
  6. Serving Suggestions: Pair your gyros with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also serve with a small portion of quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber.

Conclusion

Our Greek Chicken Gyros recipe delivers a flavorful, low-point alternative to traditional gyros, making it a perfect fit for a Weight Watchers-friendly meal plan. By using lean chicken, whole wheat pita bread, and a homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe provides a satisfying and nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greece with this smart and delicious recipe that keeps your health goals in mind. Whether for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends, these gyros are sure to impress with their authentic taste and lightened-up approach.