Welcome to the ultimate guide for making delicious and authentic Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki! These gyros are packed with flavorful marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy feta tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in soft pita bread. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken gyros are a classic Mediterranean street food that’s easy to make at home. The combination of tender, marinated chicken with fresh toppings and creamy tzatziki sauce is simply irresistible. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Gyros:
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros Assembly:
4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Grill pan or skillet
Tongs
Grater
Knife and cutting board
Marinate the Chicken
Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Grate the Cucumber:
Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out the excess water to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
Make the Tzatziki:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill or mint.
Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Chicken
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Assemble the Gyros
Warm the Pita Bread:
Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute per side until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Gyros:
Lay the warm pita bread flat and spread a generous amount of creamy feta tzatziki in the center.
Add a handful of shredded lettuce, a few slices of red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced kalamata olives (if using).
Top with slices of the cooked chicken.
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desird.
Serve:
Fold the pita bread around the filling and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Gyros
Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
Squeeze the Cucumber: Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumber to keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.
Warm the Pita: Warming the pita bread makes it more pliable and easier to fold around the fillings.
Variations to Try
Lamb Gyros: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced lamb for a traditional gyro flavor.
Vegetarian Gyros: Use grilled vegetables or falafel as a substitute for the chicken.
Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the tzatziki for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy feta tzatziki, these gyros are sure to become a favorite.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Chicken Gyros lies in the flavorful marinade, fresh ingredients, and creamy feta tzatziki. By following this guide, you’ll create delicious and authentic gyros every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
