Chicken gyros, a beloved dish rooted in Greek cuisine, bring together the savory flavors of spiced grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces, all wrapped in warm pita bread. While the gyros themselves are undeniably delicious, the experience isn’t complete without the right sides to accompany them. Whether you’re preparing a full meal for a dinner party or simply looking to enhance your homemade gyros, choosing the perfect sides can elevate your dining experience.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of traditional and modern sides that pair beautifully with chicken gyros, providing you with plenty of options to suit your taste. From classic Greek salads to unique twists like sweet potato fries, we’ve got you covered.
Traditional Greek Sides for Chicken Gyros
1. Greek Salad: A Refreshing Classic
When it comes to traditional Greek sides, the Greek salad is a staple. This vibrant dish combines crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives, all topped with creamy feta cheese and dressed in a tangy Greek vinaigrette. The refreshing, light flavors of the salad contrast perfectly with the savory richness of chicken gyros, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
For a detailed recipe on how to make the perfect Greek salad, check out this classic Greek salad recipe.
2. Tzatziki Sauce: The Perfect Companion
Tzatziki is another must-have when serving chicken gyros. This creamy cucumber and yogurt dip is infused with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill, providing a cool and tangy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken. It’s traditionally used as a sauce within the gyro itself, but it also works wonderfully as a side dip, allowing you to enjoy the flavors in every bite.
To learn how to make authentic Tzatziki at home, visit The Mediterranean Dish’s recipe for Skordalia.
3. Greek Fries: Crispy and Flavorful
Greek fries are a delightful side dish that adds a satisfying crunch to your gyro meal. These fries are seasoned with herbs like oregano and dill, and often topped with crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and parsley. The combination of crispy fries with the soft, warm pita and chicken creates a textural contrast that’s hard to resist.
4. Spanakopita (Spinach Pie): A Savory Pastry Delight
Spanakopita, a savory pie made from layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta, and herbs, is another excellent side dish for chicken gyros. The rich, buttery pastry combined with the creamy, spinach-feta filling offers a hearty, flavorful complement to the lighter, more refreshing elements of the gyro.
5. Lemon Rice Pilaf: A Zesty Addition
Lemon rice pilaf is a fragrant and zesty side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken gyros. This classic Greek side features rice cooked with orzo pasta and seasoned with lemon juice and fresh herbs, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The bright citrus notes in the rice enhance the flavors of the chicken, making for a harmonious pairing.
6. Skordalia (Garlic Potato Dip): Bold and Creamy
Skordalia is a traditional Greek dip made from mashed potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. This thick, garlicky dip is a bold side dish that complements the savory flavors of chicken gyros. Whether used as a spread on the pita or served as a dip alongside, skordalia adds a punch of flavor that will delight garlic lovers.
For a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this dish, check out The Mediterranean Dish’s Skordalia recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the best sides to serve with chicken gyros?
- The best sides include Greek salad, tzatziki, Greek fries, spanakopita, lemon rice pilaf, and skordalia.
- Can I serve chicken gyros with non-Greek sides?
- Absolutely! While traditional Greek sides are popular, feel free to experiment with modern or fusion sides like sweet potato fries or coleslaw.
- How can I make a vegetarian-friendly gyro meal?
- Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein like falafel and serve with vegetarian sides like Greek salad, hummus, or tabbouleh.
- What drink pairs well with chicken gyros?
- Light and refreshing beverages such as iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine are great choices.
- Can chicken gyros be served as part of a meal-prep?
- Yes, chicken gyros are perfect for meal-prepping. Keep the components separate until ready to eat, then assemble and enjoy.
- What’s a quick side to prepare for chicken gyros?
- Greek fries or a simple cucumber salad are quick and easy sides that pair well with gyros.
Modern and Unique Sides for Chicken Gyros
1. Roasted Vegetables (Briam): A Nutritious Medley
Briam is a traditional Greek dish that consists of a medley of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions. The vegetables are smothered in olive oil, seasoned with herbs, and roasted until tender. This dish is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to chicken gyros.
2. Grilled Zucchini Salad: Light and Healthy
For a lighter side, consider serving a grilled zucchini salad. This dish features thin slices of zucchini grilled to perfection and tossed with fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. The smoky flavor of the grilled zucchini complements the grilled chicken in the gyros, while the bright lemon dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: A Modern Twist
Sweet potato fries offer a modern twist on the classic fry, providing a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken gyros. These fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great alternative to traditional fries. Their natural sweetness adds a new dimension of flavor to the meal.
4. Fried Feta Rolls: Crispy and Cheesy
Fried feta rolls are a delicious, indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken gyros. These rolls consist of feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, which is then fried until crispy and golden. Drizzled with a spicy chili honey sauce, these rolls add a sweet and spicy flavor contrast that complements the savory gyros.
5. Mediterranean Bean Salad: Hearty and Flavorful
A Mediterranean bean salad is a hearty, protein-rich side dish that combines various beans, such as chickpeas and white beans, with chopped vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. Tossed in a light vinaigrette and topped with crumbled feta, this salad is both filling and full of Mediterranean flavors that enhance the overall meal.
6. Marinated Olives: A Tangy Bite
Marinated olives are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with chicken gyros. The olives are typically marinated in a mixture of herbs, citrus, and spices, creating a tangy and savory flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the gyros. They’re easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for any meal.
7. Tomato Orzo Soup: A Comforting Addition
On a cooler day, a warm tomato orzo soup can be a comforting addition to your chicken gyros. This soup is made with tender orzo pasta, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, creating a rich and flavorful broth that complements the savory chicken. Serving soup alongside gyros is a great way to create a more filling and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer traditional Greek sides like Greek salad and tzatziki or you’re looking to mix things up with modern options like sweet potato fries and fried feta rolls, there are countless ways to enhance your chicken gyro experience. The key is to choose sides that complement the flavors of the gyros, adding contrast and variety to the meal. By incorporating a mix of textures and flavors, you can create a truly memorable dining experience that showcases the best of Mediterranean cuisine.