If you’ve ever craved the savory, herby goodness of a classic gyro but wanted a plant-based twist, then this Vegan Chicken Gyros recipe is here to satisfy those cravings!
Packed with crispy, seasoned vegan ‘chicken’, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy vegan tzatziki sauce, this gyro is bursting with flavour and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just want a quick and tasty dish, these vegan gyros are sure to become a new favourite.
What are vegan chicken gyros?
Vegan Chicken Gyros are a plant-based version of the traditional Greek dish, chicken gyros, which typically consists of seasoned chicken served in pita bread with fresh veggies, sauces, and herbs. Instead of chicken, vegan chicken gyros use plant-based alternatives such as soy curls, tempeh, seitan, or even store-bought vegan chicken products, which are seasoned with spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and lemon juice to mimic the flavours of the original dish. Check out my vegan chicken recipe here.
These gyros are typically topped with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and are drizzled with vegan tzatziki sauce made from dairy-free yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. The result is a flavourful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a cruelty-free version of the beloved Mediterranean street food.
Tips for this recipe:
- For a different flavour, swap the vegan chicken with your favourite plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh.
- Make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an extra burst of freshness.
- These vegan gyros are perfect for meal prep – just keep the components separate until you’re ready to assemble!
How can I make the tzatziki sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker tzatziki sauce, you can strain the cucumber to remove extra moisture or add a little more vegan yogurt. Some recipes also suggest adding a bit of cashew cream for a thicker consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pita bread with gluten-free pita or use gluten-free wraps. Also, check the ingredients of your vegan chicken substitute to ensure it’s gluten-free. If you would like to make the pita bread yourself, check out my recipe for Sourdough Pita Bread.
How do I cook vegan chicken for gyros to get a crispy texture?
To achieve crispy vegan chicken, heat a little olive oil or your preferred cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add your vegan chicken (such as soy curls, tempeh, or seitan) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are crispy and golden. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end will also help enhance the flavour and create a crispy exterior – this is totally optional.
Can I make vegan chicken gyros ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare many components of the gyros in advance:
- Vegan chicken: Cook and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Tzatziki sauce: Make the sauce up to 2 days in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Pitas: You can warm the pitas just before serving or store them for a day at room temperature.
Assemble the gyros right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.
Vegan Chicken Gyros
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These Vegan Chicken Gyros are a plant-based twist on the classic Greek street food, featuring savoury, crispy vegan chicken wrapped in warm pita and topped with fresh veggies and homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s the perfect satisfying meal that’s quick to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavours!
Ingredients
- Mediterranean Vegan Chicken
400 grams Seitain or Other Vegan Chicken
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
1/4 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Oregano
1/4 tsp Coriander
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Olive Oil
Squeeze of Lemon (optional)
- Vegan Tzatziki
1 cup Unsweetened Coconut Yoghurt
1/2 Cucumber, grated or finely chopped
1 tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/4 tsp Salt
- Other Ingredients
4 Sourdough Pita Breads or Store-Bought Flatbreads
1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Lettuce, thinly sliced
Handful of Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
1 Lebanese Cucumber, sliced
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the vegan chicken with olive oil, salt and all of the spices. Toss until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned vegan chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden and crispy. Add lemon juice towards the end and toss again. Set aside.
- Next, make the vegan tzatziki. In a bowl, combine the vegan yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a dry pan or on a grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until soft and slightly charred.
- Spread a generous amount of the vegan tzatziki sauce in the centre of each pita.
- Layer the crispy vegan chicken, followed by the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and any other fresh veggies you like.
- Roll up your Vegan Chicken Gyros and enjoy immediately with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.
